Monday, February 28, 2011

Union Budget 2011-12:Vidarbha farmers and farm widows say ' it’s Peanut'

Union Budget 2011-12:Vidarbha farmers and farm widows say" it’s Peanut"

Nagpur -28th February 2011

‘Even the big discussion of having a bonanza to the farming community, the government today announced loans at interest rate of four per cent - three per cent less than market rate - for farmers who pay their dues in time and raised the credit target for farm sector by Rs 1 lakh crore the credit target for the agriculture sector has been increased by Rs one lakh crore to Rs 4,75,000 crore has not impressed 3 million dying vidarbha cotton farmer and 10,00 farm widows as there is no provision or relief package for them as finance failed to give any specific relief to vidarbha cotton farmers as there is no change on cotton export policy and any provision for the food security ,health security and family pension of to farm widows who wanted to draw the attention towards anti- cotton farmers policies of Govt. by hanging the effigies of union minister of finance and agriculture minister but nothing has been reflected in the budget.

‘This budget is as bad as earlier budgets as our main demand of complete lifting of ban on cotton export and much needed bailout package for dying cotton farmers and rehabilitation of 10,000 farm widows victims are completely ignored .when our finance minister has increased Agriculture outlay by RS.1 Lakh Crore , they would have given small peanut to us hence we are disappointed ’ Kishor Tiwari Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti informed today

VJAS welcomed the relief in the interest rate on crop loan but press the long pending demand of ‘interest free loan’ to dry land farmers of India .VJAS has welcomed the Govt. roadmap to give direct cash subsidy of kerosene and LPG to BPL families and fertilizer subsidy to farmers .

‘SHG which are taking crop loan from state owned financial institutes should given loan waiver relief as given to the farmers and should be covered in the lower interst rate facility announced by the union minister as they have ben excluded since 2008 mega loan waiver bailout package ’Tiwari added.

VJAS thanked for doubling of monthly fixed payout to ICDS Aganwadi female workers but till the amount is too low to justify the work done by the ICDS staff .

‘The rise in pension of old age people above 80 is also good initiative but this should be extended all old age pensioners under all social security scheme as rise to pensioner above 80 age is ‘hoax’ as there percentage in the total beneficiaries is less than 1% ’Tiwari said.

VJAS demand the centre to review the decision of the Committee of Secretaries (CoS) retain the cap of 55 lakh bales of natural fiber shipments for the current cotton season as of now and deferred decision of increasing it to 75 lakh bales as earlier decided by union Govt. and ‘quota free’ cotton export policy .

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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Vidarbha Farmers and Farm Widows hanged the Union Finance Minister and Agri. Minister effigies to protest UPA Govt.’s Anti-cotton farmer policies

Vidarbha Farmers and Farm Widows hanged the Union Finance Minister and Agri. Minister effigies to protest UPA Govt.’s Anti-cotton farmer policies

Nagpur -27TH February 2011

On the eve of the central budget today in the epicenter of farm suicide Yavtmal around 150 k.m. away from Nagpur thousands s vidarbha farmers and hundreds of farm widows done very violent protest by hanging the effigies of union minister of finance and agriculture to attack the attention towards anti- cotton farmers policies of the government demanding complete lifting of ban on coton export bailout package for dying cotton farmers and rehabilitation of 10,000 farm widows victims of globalization and introduction new GMO seed of BT. Cotton Technology.

‘free trade and Bt.cotton seed has killed more 2,00,000 farmers in India in last one decade and this is genocide and hence we have hanged these effigies of killer who are culprit of farmers suicides in vidarbha ' Kishor Tiwari Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti informed today

Since June 2005 vidarbha’s cotton belt is reporting daily 2 to 3 farm suicides and “These suicides are being triggered due to recent imposition of quantitative restriction of export on cotton and paddy .cotton farmers were forced to sale cotton @ Rs.4000 per quintal where as paady growers are forced sale @ Rs.850/- per quintal less than MSP of Rs.1050/- as there is no procurement from state owned agency” Kishor Tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti(VJAS )informed in press release today

‘The excessive rain followed clod wave has ruined cotton and paddy crop of region and there is no taker to the Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar’s claim of bumper record crop cotton and paddy this year as 110 lakh hector area under cultivation cotton crop yield has been dropped by state itself from 375 lahs bales to 275 lakhs bales where as actual arrival has not crossed 190 lakh bales ,cotton growers are in deep trouble but state has not been able sense the serious of ciriss’ Tiwari added

“Why put a restriction on cotton export when there is good demand in global market and benefits of good price can be passed on to cotton farmers who have suffered for over a decade because of unremunerative prices. Govt. influenced by strong lobbying by textile mill owners who want cheap raw material to increase their profit margins. central Govt. working under unholy cartel of textile lobby and corrupt Babus are killing the vidarbha cotton farmer ” Tiwari of alleged.

VJAS demand the centre to review the decision of the Committee of Secretaries (CoS) retain the cap of 55 lakh bales of natural fibre shipments for the current cotton season as of now and deferred decision of increasing it to 75 lakh bales as earlier decided by union Govt. and ‘quota free’ cotton export policy

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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Six more vidarbha farmers’ suicides in last 72 hours: Quantitative restrictions killing Vidarbha Farmers-VJAS

Nagpur -25TH February 2011

There is no respite to the respite cotton and paddy growers of vidarbha as in last 72 hours six more farmer suicides reported taking toll to 82 in year 2011

the recent victims of vidarbha agrarian crisis are

1.Tukaram Tiwade of Kasargoan in Chandrapur

2.Atmaram Rante of Lingi in Yavatmal

3.Gopal Lomate of Yevatibandi in Washim

4 Pundlik Bhise of Warkhede in Amaravati

5.Kashirath Parteti of Nara in Wardha

6.Vinod Bhuse of lakhodakhurd in Akola

“These suicides are being triggered due to recent imposition of quantitative restrication of export on cotton and paddy .cotton farmers were forced to sale cotton @ Rs.4000 per quintal where as paady growers are forced sale @ Rs.850/- per quintal less than MSP of Rs.1050/- as there is no procurement from state owned agency” Kishor Tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti(VJAS )informed in press release today

‘The excessive rain followed clod wave has ruined cotton and paddy crop of region and there is no taker to the Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar of bumper record crop cotton and paddy this year as 110 lakh hector area under cultivation cotton crop yield has been dropped by state itself from 375 lahs bales to 275 lakhs bales where as actual arrival has not crossed 190 lakh bales ,cotton growers are in deep trouble but state has not been able sense the serious of ciriss’ Tiwari added

“Why put a restriction on cotton export when there is good demand in global market and benefits of good price can be passed on to cotton farmers who have suffered for over a decade because of unremunerative prices. Govt. influenced by strong lobbying by textile mill owners who want cheap raw material to increase their profit margins. central Govt. working under unholy cartel of textile lobby and corrupt Babus are killing the vidarbha cotton farmer ” Tiwari of alleged.

VJAS demand the centre to review the decision of the Committee of Secretaries (CoS) retain the cap of 55 lakh bales of natural fibre shipments for the current cotton season as of now and deferred decision of increasing it to 75 lakh bales as earlier decided by union Govt. and ‘quota free’ cotton export policy

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Four Vidarbha farmers commit suicide- Hindustan Times

Four Vidarbha farmers commit suicide- Hindustan Times
Pradip Kumar Maitra pradipmaitra@hindustantimes.com
NAGPUR:24 FEB.2011

There seems no end to the woes of Vidarbha farmers, who continue to live in distress triggered by failed crops and mounting debts.

The prevailing agrarian crisis has driven many farmers of this region to commit suicide.
According to reports on Wednesday, four Vidarbha farmers Anandrao Kher, 55, of Kanholi village (Gondia district), Tukaram Tiwade, 65, of Kasargaon (Chandrapur) village, Atmaram Ratne, 50, of Lingi (Yavatmal) village and Gopal Lomte, 52, of Yeoti village in Washim had committed suicide in the last 48 hours.

The agro-economists of the region are surprised over the disturbing trend. It was the first time when the cotton growers -maximum farmers who have killed themselves belong to that field -got the maximum remunerative price for their produce, raw cotton, at Rs6,000 per quintal. “This is far from fact,“ says Kishore Tiwari, president of Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti that has been documenting farmer suicide since 2001.

“Only traders and hoarders got these rates. The poor cotton farmers sold their produces in November-December itself when the rate was hardly Rs3,000-Rs3,500 per quintal,“ Tiwari claimed.

The local and state administration now claims that most of the suicides are owing to nonagrarian reasons such as alcoholism, social tensions, marriage and other family problems.

Srinivas Khandewale, a wellknown economist from the region, said: “The farmers are committing suicide when the rate of the produce in its peak.
Why such rate was not given to them in November-December?“ With the death of these four farmers, the toll has risen to 28 this month while the figure was 52 in January.

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निर्यात धोरणाचा फटका कापूस उत्पादक आणि व्यापाऱ्यालाही-विदर्भ नआंदोलन समितीचे मत-लोकसत्ता

निर्यात धोरणाचा फटका कापूस उत्पादक आणि व्यापाऱ्यालाही-विदर्भ नआंदोलन समितीचे मत-लोकसत्ता
नागपूर, २३ फेब्रुवारी/प्रतिनिधी
सरकारच्या निर्यातीच्या धोरणामुळे महाराष्ट्रातील कापसाचा संपूर्ण व्यापार तसेच कापूस उत्पादक शेतकरी अडचणीत येणार आहे. येत्या अर्थसंकल्पात कृषी निर्यातबंदी हटवण्यात यावी, अशी मागणी विदर्भ जनआंदोलन समितीने केली आहे.
कृषी मालावरील आयातनिर्यातीचे र्निबध २००४ मध्ये केंद्र सरकारने विश्व व्यापार संघटनेच्या दबावाखाली पूर्णपणे शिथिल केले होते. त्यामुळे भारतात स्वस्त दराच्या २०० लाख कापसाच्या गाठीची विक्रमी आयात होऊन भारतीय बाजारात कापसाच्या किंमतीवर सतत तीन वर्ष मंदी राहिली. त्यामुळे ५० हजारापेक्षा अधिक शेतकऱ्यांनी आत्महत्या केल्या. आज जगात कापसाची मागणी असताना आणि जगात कापसाचे भाव प्रति गाठीला ७० हजार रूपये असताना केंद्र सरकारने कापसाच्या निर्यातीसाठी ५५ लाख गाठीचा कोटा निश्चित केला. त्यामुळे देशी बाजारपेठेत कापसाचे भाव ७ हजार रूपयावरून ५ हजार ४०० रूपयावर आले. सरकारच्या निर्यात धोरणामुळे कापसाचा संपूर्ण व्यापार आणि कापसाचे पीकसुद्धा धोक्यात येणार आहे.
सरकारने धानावर निर्यातीचे बंधन घातल्याने पूर्व विदर्भातील धान उत्पादक शेतकरी पश्चिम विदर्भातील कापूस उत्पादक शेतकऱ्यांच्या मागोमाग आत्महत्या करीत आहेत. ज्या शेतकऱ्यांनी कापूस व धान सोडून ऊस उत्पादन केले आहे त्या शेतकऱ्यांनाही सरकारच्या लेव्ही किंमतीचा व निर्यात धोरणाचा फटका बसत असून सरकारचे शेतकरी विरोधी आयातनिर्यात धोरण शेतकऱ्यांच्या आर्थिक विपन्न अवस्थेला कारणीभूत ठरत आहे. सरकारने कापूस, धान व ऊस उत्पादकाचे आर्थिक हित जोपासण्यासाठी येत्या अर्थसंकल्पात पाऊले उचलावी, अशी मागणी समितीने केली आहे.
सरकारच्या शेतकरीविरोधी धोरणाच्या विरोधात विदर्भ जनआंदोलन समितीतर्फे शेकडो शेतकरी व शेतकरी विधवा पांढरकवडा येथील अग्रसेन भवनात येत्या २७ फेब्रुवारीला उपोषण सत्याग्रह करतील, अशी माहिती समितीचे किशोर तिवारी यांनी दिली।
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Friday, February 18, 2011

VJAS Flays land acquisition for Butibori expansion-Times of India

VJAS Flays land acquisition for Butibori expansion-Times of India


Read more: 'Negotiations' begin for land acquisition for Butibori expansion - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Negotiations-begin-for-land-acquisition-for-Butibori-expansion/articleshow/7518404.cms#ixzz1EJLXloDa

NAGPUR: Maharashtra Industries Development Corporation (MIDC) has begun negotiations to acquire land to expand Butibori industrial estate by another 1,350 hectares. However, farmers whose land has been notified for acquisition have little say in the entire affair. Though the exercise is being termed as a negotiation, a closer look at the terms and conditions shows that the parleys are anything but negotiations.

Eleven villages near Butibori industrial estate have been notified for acquisition. The land will pave way for private industries, for which MIDC acts as a facilitator.

Interestingly, land is being acquired for the second phase of Butibori even though hundreds of acres of land is still lying vacant in Butibori I and Hingna I and II industrial estates. The land there had been acquired a long time back but very few industries have come up on that land. MIDC has the right to seize those plots, and reallot them to other industries, but it has refused to so for reasons best known to it.

Meanwhile, the farmers in the affected villages are demanding a compensation at the rate of Rs 20 to 25 lakh per acre, and threatening to turn down the deal if the rates do not suit them. However, they are unaware of the fact that they don't have a choice to say no.

Even though the state government has turned to the 'negotiation' mode of acquisition, it does not stall the takeover if the talks fail. Rather, if that happens, the government will simply revert to the old compulsory acquisition method and offer the much lower notified rates. The government rates would then be binding on all villagers, without any negotiation.

For those who do not agree with this, litigation will remain the only recourse. However, suits filed in 1992 for higher compensation during the acquisition for Butibori phase I are still pending, with some of the litigants agreeing to an out-of-court settlement only recently, say local villagers.

Even as officials say that the affected villagers are demanding around Rs 10-12 lakh per acre, residents of Mandwa, Bhansoli and Tembhri villages, where talks were held on Thursday said they would not accept anything below Rs 20 lakh per acre. The team, that included officials from the district administration and MIDC, only noted down the demands and said that the final decision will be taken by a committee headed by the collector.

"If talks fail, we will take recourse to compulsorily acquisition of land by invoking the Land Acquisition Act of 1894, instead of negotiating under the MIDC Act," district collector Pravin Darade tol TOI.

"Yes, these are called negotiations but that does not give the landholders the right to refuse. They can just quote their rate and the committee will come up with the final price. If they refuse, the land will be taken over at government rates," said an official adding that negotiations just give the landholders a chance to get a better deal.

Strangely, MIDC was extremely reluctant to disclose any information about the negotiations. A senior official claimed that the collector had directed them not to allow mediapersons during negotiations. However, Darade readily provided all the requisite information.

Darade said the final rates have not been worked out yet, but it will be ensured that the landholders get the best deal on the lines of the acquisition for NTPC's power plant at Mouda. He exhorted the project affected persons (PAPS) to cooperate.

If they don't agree, the villagers may not get more than Rs 7 lakh an acre according to official rates, said Hingna subdivisional officer ( SDO) Nishikant Suke, adding that villagers should not expect valuation like on Wardha Road, as those rates are unrealistic.

Meanwhile, residents of the three villagers said they were totally unaware of the rule that the threat of compulsory acquisition still loomed large. "We were celebrating that unlike 1992 we will not have to accept whatever is doled out. But it still appears to be a take it or leave it deal," said Dilip Tekam of Mandwa village.

"There is no problem in shifting, but we should get a good price. We would be able to buy land around 30-40km away with a compensation of Rs 20 lakh an acre, or else we might have to relocate as far as Yavatmal," said Purushottam Wadge of the same village. The locals have also demanded a job for each member of the affected families.

At Bhansoli, the villagers cite the Wardha Road realty prices, which had touched a peak two years ago, when speaking about their demands. They say that the Wardha Road boom has led even far-off farmlands to become dearer. "Even if they give me Rs 20 lakh per acre, I may get suitable farmland only at Yavatmal, which is 123km away, and such long migration has its own problems," said Pravin Kamble. The compensation will also have to be divided between joint holders of the land in a family, leaving little for each person, added another villager.

Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS) president Kishor Tiwari has demanded that government should issue a white paper on Hingna and Butibori industrial estates before acquiring land for an expansion of Butibori. "We will oppose the project tooth and nail. Industrialists have got user changed and are operating engineering colleges in Butibori. This is nothing but a mega scam," he said

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Pvt banks, NBFC's new micro finance Players in Dying Field of Vidarbha -Times of India

Printed from

Pvt banks, NBFC's new micro finance Players in Dying Field of Vidarbha -Times of India

*Farm activist Kishore Tiwari of Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS) said such entities have turned to the villages as the lending business has saturated in the urban centres. Locals have been appointed as agents who are helping in arranging fast finance just as the other MFIs. Tiwari demanded that the government must appoint a regulator to control interest rates on micro lending.

NAGPUR: Micro finance institutions (MFIs) like SKS Limited may be in the news for charging excessive interest from the rural borrowers but these are not only ones doing so. Lately even private banks and non-banking finance companies normally having a presence urban areas have entered the business of small lending in the hinterland.

Since around two years, these financial institutions have appointed agents in villages for giving loans in micro finance segment. Albeit they charge relatively lower rates compared to pure MFIs which depend on refinance from other institutions. The banks and NBFCs have their own funds. The companies operating in the region include L&T Finance, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, say sources in business.

Farm activists are crying foul over the situation saying that their entry would only add to the financial distress of the farmers. However, the companies themselves claim they are better than pure MFIs. "The amount lent ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 2 lakh per individual and disbursed to groups of even five, unlike a 10-member self-help group (SHG) formed by the public sector banks. Loans are normally granted for agricultural activities also involving a third party whose guarantee is also. For example, if a group gets loan for dairy farming then the firm that purchases milk from it has to provide guarantee of repayment," said Mahesh Rathi, a micro-finance consultant based in Nagpur.

Rathi who brings business for L&T Finance, Kotak Mahindra Bank, as well as Karur Vysya Bank, said normally interest was 14%, but a couple of points are hiked if the recovery team has to go to the borrowers' place for collecting the money. The pure MFIs charge as high as 24% or more, say sources. These institutions are eyeing a significant share of market. Their move is prompted by lukewarm approach by the nationalised banks towards small lending despite their sizable presence in rural areas.

L&T established its micro finance arm in 2008 and so far has lent to around 80,000 individuals in the region, said a senior official here. "Recovery is also a problem at times as there have been cases of the borrowers even beating up company's representatives," said this source.

Farm activist Kishore Tiwari of Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS) said such entities have turned to the villages as the lending business has saturated in the urban centres. Locals have been appointed as agents who are helping in arranging fast finance just as the other MFIs. Tiwari demanded that the government must appoint a regulator to control interest rates on micro lending.

He added that several farmers were using money for non-productive purposes and it would eventually lead them into a debt-trap। An official in one of the lending agencies said even as the loans were strictly provided for productive use, the NBFC could not control the borrower if he diverted funds for personal consumption.
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kishore Tiwari - Success is a continuing story

Success is a continuing story

Nishtha Grover


Last updated on January 20, 2011 at 1700hrs.

Kishore Tiwari is the President of the NGO, Vidharbha Janandolan Samiti. The activist group lead by Tiwari, works towards the welfare of cotton farmers in Vidharbha.

Hiwara Barsa(Yavatmal):In the village Hiwara Barsa, he seemed king, knew everyone by name and the whole village like the back of his hand. Kishore Tiwari, seemed extremely passionate about the tribal and cotton farmer’s plight. As we, a bunch of journalists descended on his domain, he objected to ourinquisitive nature and intrusion and gave us guidelines on how to ask and what to ask the villagers.

Obviously he was more into practising than preaching as later in a relatively personal session he justified his brusque treatment: “We adopt these widows and help them overcome their loss.”

Working for the betterment of the villagers has prodded Tiwari into filing more that100 PILs for the justice of tribals and cotton farmers. Malnutrition of tribals, plight of rural economy, drinking water, right to food , right to education, problems of minorities, issue of separate statehood to Vidarbha are other issues that has kept him busy. He communicates to the outer world with his blogs and social networking.

Tiwari’s grandmother was a vegetable seller in this village. It was this attachment that brought him back to the village, picking up cudgels for it: “How can I let my village suffer?” He has been at it ever since.

When questioned about his political inclinations, he confessed, “Politics is something I have given up , but we have these young widows who have in the past contested on my behalf, plus I also have my relatives on influential posts so politics is not my agenda anymore” He was with the Bhartiya Janta Party. Tiwari and said “I gave up the party because they were more interested in the Ram Mandir issue, than the plight of my fellow farmers.”

Kishore Tiwari‘s formidable name is recognisable all over the district. The number of issues he has tackled and spoken up for is far more impressive than the umpteen number of degrees he has acquired in academics.

Activities and Achievements of Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS)

Activities and Achievements of Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS)

Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS)

The Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti, a farmers’ movement in Vidarbha or the eastern region of Maharashtra, is fighting for the cause of farmers and monitoring Vidarbha farmer’s suicides and agrarian crisis since 1998. The movement is pursuing its battle on various fronts from people’s agitations to taking up the issues with administration, judiciary, legislature, human rights bodies, and international forums. We have pursued with vigor the issue of farmers’ suicides and agrarian distress, malnutrition among tribal’s in Yavatmal, depressing rural economy, drinking water problem in rural Vidarbha, right to food and education, problems faced by minorities, and statehood to Vidarbha.

The continued follow up and Jan Andolans of Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti has resulted in many success broadly classified as under;

1. Waiver of small farmers crop loans

2. Interest remission to marginal farmers

3. Right to food to the lacs of tribal’s

4. Primary Education to every rural students

5. Farmers packages

6. BPL benefits to thousands of poor families

7. Justice to unwed mothers

The relentless agitations and struggle by the VJAS has given Vidarbha farmers a voice and political identity and helped place the crisis on state and national political agenda.

Activities and Achievements of VJAS:

Activities and Achievements of VJAS since 2004:

i. A PIL was filed by VJAS in 2002 in Nagpur High Court on malnutrition deaths among Kolam tribals. In 29th June 2004 the court gave directions to provide foodgrains, clothes, shelter and health to Kolam tribals in Amravati division: - Yavatmal, Washim, Buldhana, Amravati, Akola, Wardha districts.

ii. On 19th July 2004, a dharna was organized outside SBI bank, Parwa, taluka Ghatanji, district Yavatmal. Cotton farmers with outstanding loans were not being given fresh loans. Hence the dharna was organised to demand new loans for the farmers and accept repayment of the old loan in instalments. As a result the farmers started getting fresh loans.

iii. On 28th July 2004, to demand land rights of tribals in Yavatmal districts. In every taluka an andolan was organised outside tehsil, SDO office. SDO spoke to Collector. Collector ordered the forest department to let the tribals continue farming in the forest.

iv. In 2004, VJAS demanded that the government start a ‘Sahukar Mukti Yojana’ after suicide of a farmer in Injara, taluka, Ghatnji, district Yavatmal.

v. In May 2004, Rohpat (Tandapod), taluka Maregaon, district Yavatmal, there was an incidence of police harassing Kolam tribals and wrong cases were applied to them. A PIL was filed in Nagpur HC by VJAS to quash the case against the Kolam tribals. ............

vi. In 2004, a PIL was filed in Nagpur HC to give Khawti Karj Yojana to all tribals. To waive off Khawti Karj, to give new loans to them and also cover those who have been left out. The demands were fulfilled.

vii. On 1st July 2004, the government announced free electricity to all farmers. This would not help those farmers who commit suicide. Give direct loans to farmers because this would not help them. Give direct help to farmers.

viii. In Nov 2004, an andolan was organized to demand Rs.2700/- against government’s rate (which was declared in their election manifesto of Rs.2700/-) of 2500/- for all cotton farmers as MSP. This was done in Pandharkawda cotton market.

ix. In Dec 2004, farmers were not getting the payment for their cotton on time. So an Andolan was organised outside Zilla Madhyavarti bank, Pandharkawda. So payment gradually started being disbursed.

x. In Dec 2004, a scheme for tractor was started for farmers. There was a major corruption in the scheme and job in Zilla Madhyavarti Bank. So a demand was made to stop this corruption.

xi. In 104 Cotton ginning factories in Yavatmal district, the labourers were not getting minimum wages of Rs.82/- but were being given 30-40/-. There were no identity cards, muster, or provident fund being given. Then an andolan was organized at Collector’s office in Yavatmal. Then they started receiving minimum wages and pension.

xii. In Dec 2004, there was an andolan was organised in Pandarkawda outside tehsil office, to demand land rights for tribals who have encroached forest and revenue land to give them patta ownership. “Zameenche patte denari Swabhiman Yojana”.

xiii. Farmer suicides due to shortage of water, drought and loss of crops, lack of fodder. VJAS has raised the issue.

xiv. In 2nd Jan 2005, A land owned by a trust Ruikar Trust in Nanjha, tehsil Kalamb, district Yavatmal was not being used and many farmers, mostly tribals, had been farming on that land since 30 – 40 years. The trust was trying to harass the farmers and evict them. So an andolan was organized against the trust and demand land for the farmers. After that the trust stopped harassing them.

xv. In 11th jan 2005, VJAS supported the andolan of business traders who were opposing service tax as this would affect the poor.

xvi. Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) was procuring Cotton for the Central government at Rs.1700/- whereas the Pannan Maha Sangh was procuring it for the Maharashtra government for Rs.2200/-. So on 15th Jan 2005, VJAS made a demand that the Maharashtra government give the difference as bonus to cotton farmers selling to CCI. But the demand was not met.

xvii. In Jan 2005, 12lakhs quintal of cheap cotton was bought by traders from Andhra Pradesh. Because of that local farmers were suffereing. Hence VJAS demanded the Collector that the border of Maharashtra-Andhra Pradesh be sealed to stop the flow of cotton.

xviii. Jhari tehsil, there was drought in some 20-25 villages. ‘Gaon tithe Uposhan’ andolan was organized on 15th February 2005 to demand clean water in Gram Panchayats. A memo was given to collector. So Collector took steps to provide tankers, bore wells etc.

xix. In Yavatmal in 5 years, 216 layout were made after evicting tribals. VJAS demanded an investigation into these land scams to the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra.

xx. In Maregaon Van, tehsil Pandarkawda, tribal farmers had taken loans from money lenders. The money lenders bullock cart, bull, and belongings of the tribals when they couldn’t repay loans. Then VJAS took up the case and made a police case.

xxi. In 27th February, payment was not being made on time in Vidarbha & Marathwada, by the Mahareashtra government. Hence a demand for uposhan satyagraha was made by VJAS. Then payment started.

xxii. In National Food for Work Program, corruption was taking place where foodgrains were being sold in the open market and not being given to beneficiaries. An andolan was organized against it on 5th March 2005. Later foodgrains were being distributed started. Later work was not being started and hence an andolan was organized to demand start of the work.

xxiii. A petition was made to the National Human Rights Commission demand for inclusion of Neo-Buddhists in Scheduled Caste in Census in 2005.

xxiv. In Swabhimani Yojana where land is given to landless, Dalit and tribal agricultural labourers through Social Welfare department and Tribal Project Office. Corruption in this was brought to the notice of CM. They were buying land at Rs.1000-2000 per acre and telling the government that it is Rs.25,000/- per acre.

xxv. About 212 tendu patta ghatak in Vidarbha were not selling tendu leaves as traders were not buying. So VJAS demanded that the government buy it. But the government did not do that.

xxvi. Khawti karj andolan.....The central government had given directions to all banks to give loans to farmers but were not being implemented. So VJAS demanded that increase the loans. Later an andolan was organised.

xxvii. In Feb 2007, VJAS demanded the Central government that in places where there are no water facilities, Bt cotton should not be grown. Coarse grains should be grown so that farmers can get food as well as fodder for animals.

xxviii. In April 2007, Demand for Kolam tribals for Khawti karj and implementation of court order.

xxix. In Pandharkawda, a farmer committed suicide after not being able to repay the loan from a money lender. A demand was put before the CM, PM and President to write off the loan and help the widow but it was considered ineligible as the loan was not from a bank.

xxx. From Jan to April 2007, 396 farmers had committed suicide. But PMO had declared that suicide had reduced. Then VJAS defied it and presented the correct data.

xxxi. In june 2007, VJAS demanded that all loans be waived off. In the last package only interest was waived off which benefitted a very small number of farmers. In 2008 the loans were waived off only for farmers with less than 5 acres and those above 5 acres only 20,000/- was waived off.

xxxii. In june 2007, VJAS asked farmers to use traditional seeds and organic manure.

xxxiii. In june 2007, National Human Rights Commissions was approached for malnutrition deaths of Kolam tribals. A committee had come. VJAS showed the fluoride water affected villages and Kolam tribal villages.

xxxiv. The President was going to come to Yavatmal. Widows of farmers who committed suicide wanted to meet her and tell her the conditions of farmers. VJAS demanded that all loans be written off and be given new loans and give Rs.5 lakhs to the those farmer who committed suicide. The widows met the President and demanded loans be waived off, free education for their children and health benefits. The demand to wave off loans was agreed by the President APJ Abdul Kalam.

xxxv. On 18th June Halla Bol andolan for writing off loans and give fresh loans. An andolan was organized outside Pandharkawda Central Bank.

xxxvi. 15th August, a Shetkari Wachwa Andolan was organized for Dalit, tribal and OBC. Government and cooperative banks were not getting loans. So they were going to money lenders. They were being exploited by them. VJAS demanded the government that farmers be given loans, be included in antyodaya, and health facilities.

xxxvii. The VJAS demanded Nagpur High Court should implement in 10 days the case dealing with farmers suicides. A PIL had been filed earlier by VJAS.

xxxviii. In July 2007, a widow of a farmer who committed suicide was given PM package of Rs.10,000/- but the cheque bounced. VJAS raised the issue and finally cash was given to her by the government. Action was taken against 6 officials.

xxxix. On 27th September 2007, Khawti Karj Andolan was organized to demand khawti karj for all tribals in front of tehsil office, Pandharkawda.

xl. On 2nd October, Gandhi Parishad was organized so that cotton MSP be Rs.2700/- and loans be written off and from the profits of Pannan MahaSangh Rs.300/- be given as bonus to farmers. Widows also participated.

xli. Agriculture Price Commission, MS Swaminathan came to meet widows of farmers who committed suicide.

xlii. 1 – Agitation for loan disbursement at State Bank of India and District central cooperative bank branches of Pandharkawda, Patanbori, Darwha and Jhari (2008 June-July)

xliii. 2 – Gandhigiri Andolan in June and July 2008 for pushing the bank officials to approve loans to farmers. The activists would happily welcome the bank officials at the branches early morning, touch their feet, and embarrass them to the hilt in this unique protests. It moved bank officials faster than our usual agitations to avoid further embarrassment.

xliv. 3 – Krishi Parishad, Kinwat (nanded), September 2008 ; A convention of farmers who do not have protective irrigation was organized at Kinwat in Nanded post-loan waiver announcement, mainly to discuss its outcome and anomalies with regard to land acreage condition. The VJAS rallied the farmers who had smaller outstanding loans but could not get the benefit of the complete waiver due to their large land size. It was at this convention that the VJAS rejected the farm loan waiver scheme as unfair to rain-fed farmers and started a debate in the political and economic circles that loans up to Rs 50,000 should be waived completely, a view later accepted by the state government that went on to announce its own waiver of loans up to Rs 20,000 in December 2008.

xlv. 4 – Farm widows’ conventions, Pandharkawda, Yavatmal, Bothbodan, Kosara and Karanji (December 2008-March 2009) - The VJAS organized the first convention of farmers’ widows in December 2006, but it was on a small scale. A first major convention of over 500 farm widows from all over Vidarbha was organized in Pandharkawda, the VJAS field headquarters, in February 2009, as a precursor to many smaller village-wise farm widows’ conventions and get-togethers. The VJAS intended to mobilize the widows who are living in abjectly poor conditions with their children. It was important to organize them and bring them together to raise a charter of their demands. The VJAS intends to make it an annual feature to bring the widows together at least once every year so that their problems are heard and they feel they are not alone in their struggle. The convention helped the VJAS to not only mobilize the widows but also understand their land-related problems, among other issues. We now intend to take forward their struggle and demands.

xlvi. 5 – Dushkal Parishad, 2009 - Vidarbha witnessed a major drought in 2009. Crop yields were less than 50%; farmers had liquidity crunch at the beginning of the season; the cotton-soybean support prices had not been raised post-election. Maharashtra was going for the elections. The VJAS, in view of the political situation, organized a ‘Dushkal parishad’ in Pandharkawda to take the stock of the situation, invite farmers to share their conditions and prepare a charter of demands ahead of elections. The government did announce scarcity in Vidarbha that year, owing to our demand.

xlvii. 6 – Road blockade pressing for a rise in MSP of cotton - The VJAS blocked the National high way 7 in the summer of 2007 and 2008 demanding a hike in the minimum support price of cotton. MSP was hiked finally in 2008 May, a year before the Parliamentary elections were due.

xlviii. 7 – Drinking water agitation 2010 - The summer of 2010 was one of the most difficult periods of recent times. The two successive years of drought, water mining by mines and farmers, and lack of drinking water supply programme, villages in Yavatmal and rest of Vidarbha had to go miles in search of water. The VJAS held agitations and pushed the districts’ administration and political leadership of the region and state to make emergency plans to provide drinking water to the rural households.

xlix. 10 – Agitation against corruption in the implementation of special farm packages: The state and central government announced different packages for the six most suicide-prone districts of Vidarbha since 2005. First came the Rs 1075 crore CM package in the December of 2005; then the Rs 3750 crore PM package in July 1, 2006, followed by the central loan waiver, state loan waiver etc.

l. 9 – Food-Fodder - The VJAS also simultaneously launched agitations all over for food and fodder security for farming households during summer of 2010, drawing the attention of the government toward massive food and fodder crunch, and forcing it to open fodder camps in every tehsil so that the cattle could survive the scarcity.

li. In the implementation of each of these packages the VJAS stayed alert to massive corruption and anomalies and staged protests all over Vidarbha, petitioned the concerned ministers, and moved the high court when no action was forthcoming. The state government admitted in the legislative assembly in 2008 most of the VJAS charges and suspended a few officials, who were guilty of corruption.


Saturday, February 12, 2011

Maharashtra Chief Minister Stand to Support Cotton Exports Ban is unfortunate –VJAS

Maharashtra Chief Minister Stand to Support Cotton Exports Ban is unfortunate –VJAS

Demand ‘Quota Free’ export of cotton bales

Nagpur -12TH Feb.2011

‘Vidarbha cotton farmers have earned too much now it’s time for textile mill owner to earn that’s reason of central Govt. has retained 55 lakh cotton bales cap ,and it’s justified in order to get textile mill owners to get cotton at lower rate hence I support it’ Maharashtra Chief Minister Prathiraj Chavan replied when media asked the question of lifting the ban on cotton export .

‘Maharashtra Chief Minister Prathiraj Chavan who has written to Indian prime minister to raise cotton export quota from 55 lakh to 75 lakh bales last month only union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has hinted that in order to compensate the losses of cotton growers centre is lifting all cap’s on export of cotton bales and now ‘U’ turn of Maharashtra Chief Minister Prathiraj Chavan is unfortunate and is shocking. Why put a restriction when there is good demand in global market and benefits of good price can be passed on to cotton farmers who have suffered for over a decade because of unremunerative prices. Chief Minister Prathiraj Chavan influenced by strong lobbying by textile mill owners who want cheap raw material to increase their profit margins. it's a rare chance that Indian farmer got this time as cotton crop in India was exceptionally good. Moreover, when 83 lakh bales were exported last year, why should the Centre scale it down ,we condemn the anti-farmer stand of Chief Minister Prathiraj Chavan and central Govt. working under unholy cartel of textile lobby and corrupt babus’ Kishor Tiwari of Vidarbha Janandolan Samiti informed in press note.

Earlier Vidarbha cotton farmer advocacy group VJAS flays the decision of the Committee of Secretaries (CoS) on ihursday met to review the cotton exports trends and to retain the cap of 55 lakh bales of natural fibre shipments for the current cotton season as of now and deferred decision of increasing it to 75 lakh bales as earlier decided by union Govt. and announced by union Agri.Minister Sharad Pawar but under pressure textile mill owners and unholy cartel of mill owners and Babus are working against the interest of cotton farmers who are in deep distress and committing suicide.

“First cotton prices in the international market raw cotton is ranging from 7500/- to 8000/- per quintal but domestic cotton textile mill owners lobby ahs managed to purchse maximum raw cotton in the price range of Rs.3500/- to Rs.4000/- ,only last fortnight cotton prices shoot to international level that is up to Rs.6,800/- in anticipation of union Govt. decision to increase the quota from 55 lakh bales to 75 lakh bales as announced by the concerned textile ministry, this is unfortunate decision and will ruined the cotton trade in India that will ruin the cotton farmer in future hence we demand the ‘quota free’ export of cotton bales when there is growing international demand .

There big deal in the quota curtailment decision and Minister and Babus who are advocating free trade and promotion of export are washing their hand with blood of dying farmers of cotton belt of India .” Kishor Tiwari said.

The Committee of Secretaries (CoS) on Thursday met to review the cotton exports trends and retained the cap of 55 lakh Bales of natural fibre shipments for the current cotton season as of now. CoS, including commerce and textiles secretaries met in Delhi. CoS, including commerce and textiles secretaries met and taken anti cotton farmer decision to safe guard economic interest of cotton mill mafia and it is reported that

QUOTE

Cotton exports ceiling retained

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/agri-biz/article1327391.ece

“As of now, we are maintaining the export figure (of 55 lakh bales for cotton exports),” Textiles Secretary Ms Rita Menon said.

The cotton season runs from October to September. Of the 55 lakh bales (170 kg each) ceiling fixed by the government, 38 lakh bales had already been exported till December 15. The government had allowed cotton shipments from November 1 and contracts had to be shipped within 45 days.

Later on, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, under the Commerce Ministry, has allowed shipments of the remaining quantity of natural fibre and the traders can ship their cotton contracts till February 25.

According to the Cotton Advisory Board projections, the natural fibre production has been estimated at 329 lakh bales in the current cotton season against domestic demand, which is pegged at 266 lakh bales.

According to sources, between October to January 31, the cotton arrivals are about 165 lakh bales against earlier estimates of 195 lakh bales. Asked whether the cotton output data can be revised, she said, “Yes, it is possible.”

Earlier, the government had also decided to have a carry-forward stock of about 50 lakh bales of raw cotton at the end of the current cotton season.

Currently, cotton prices are ruling at around over Rs 50,000 a candy (356 kg) compared to about Rs 23,000 a candy in the domestic market.

UNQUOTE

We will not allow the conspiracy of cotton traders and textile ministry as there are very shocking news reports for kharif season 2010-11 cotton production as area under cultivation of Bt.cotton is above 110 lakhs hector and it was estimated and reported by Indian Council Agri. Research(ICAR-CICR) and so called Cotton Textiles Owners Association that there is ‘bumper crop of cotton’ estimated to 375 lakh bales but in reality the cotton crop is lowest in the India and cotton growers are in deep trouble and allowing the free export can give the relief to few farmers who are having or managing the irrigation facilities to get second crop of cotton but retaining the export quota will lower down the cotton price sin domestic market and will add fuel to on going agrarian crisis due excessive and record rain and massive floods in cotton cultivating areas which has damaged most of standing Bt.cotton crop and excessive rain has jumped the cultivation cost to double, but expected yield has been reduce to 50% hence we demand ‘quota free’ cotton export policy as GOI cant allow more than 200 million Indian cotton farmers to die in order to protect interest of 200 textile mill owners ,that’s main issue of unjust .” Kishor Tiwari of VJAS added.

If GOI failed to increase export quota we will start ‘National Highway Blockade, agitation from 18th February, VJAS activist informed.

Pl arrange to publish this press note

KISHOR TIWARI

President

Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti