Budget does little to boost rural economy, says AP farmers’ body

VIJAYAWADA: The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) based out of Andhra Pradesh slammed the Union Budget for ‘doing little’ to boost the rural economy.
A statement issued by the farmers’ organisation said, “The total budget allocation for agriculture, irrigation and rural development was Rs 2.68 lakh crore in 2019-20, which has been increased nominally to Rs 2.83 lakh crore. In real terms, taking inflation into account, this amounts to zero increase.”
The Union Budget proposes increased penetration of MNCs and corporate giants in agriculture inputs supply, procurement of crops, storage, agriculture-processing, insurance and marketing of crops. However, the farmers’ association feels that it gives no relief to peasants from high input costs, low crop prices, distress sale and crop losses.
AIKSCC came down heavily on the Modi government and has said, “We are very disappointed. This is clearly a Budget that has no space for farmers of this country.”