Madikeri: Farmers in Karnataka should unite, leaving behind differences, to fight for the right cause in the interest of the welfare of the farming community, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) leader and Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah said on Tuesday.
The KRRS, founded by senior activist MD Nanjundaswamy and others, is now divided into several factions. However, there is a need for all the factions to unite under a single platform, he said.
He was speaking during the annual meet of the Kodagu district unit of the KRRS at Gonikoppal. A meeting was held with over 15 farmer unions to unite them. The response from farmers and farmer leaders was positive. The farmer movements will unite like in the 1980s, he stated.
He said that the problems faced by coffee growers in Kodagu will be highlighted during the next legislature session. A large-scale struggle must be taken up by the farmers in Kodagu concerning revenue land issues, he added.
Farmers activist Pacche Nanjundaswamy appreciated the efforts of the district unit of the KRRS led by Manu Somaiah and urged for the interference of the govt in resolving the C and D land issue in Kodagu. He demanded an increase in compensation to the farmers affected by the wildlife conflict.
Manu said a massive protest will be held in Madikeri at the end of Dec on the C and D land issue.
Photo: Farmer Leaders