Mass Deputation to Agricultural Officials in Dukli Block Over Farmers' Nine-Point Demand

A significant deputation was presented to the agricultural department officials of Dukli Block, articulating nine crucial demands centered on farmers' interests. This initiative was jointly organized by the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and the Tripura Khetmajur Union's Dukli subdivision committee.

Prior to submitting the deputation, a brief discussion meeting took place in front of the agricultural department office in Dukli Block. The meeting was co-chaired by Chandan Dutta and Makhan Sheel, with prominent participation from Narayan Dev (state executive committee member of AIKS), Rajkumar Chowdhury (secretary of AIKS Dukli subdivision committee), Pankaj Ghosh (secretary of Tripura Khetmajur Union's Dukli subdivision committee), Swapna Dutta (state secretary of All India Democratic Women's Association), and Kamal Mia, a farmer movement leader.

The leaders emphasized that farmers across Dukli agricultural subdivision and throughout the state had suffered extensive crop damage due to recent severe flooding. They pointed out that farmers were already struggling to receive fair prices for their produce, and this disaster had further exacerbated their plight. The leaders asserted that in such circumstances, it was the government's duty to stand by the farmers and agricultural laborers. They warned that if the state government failed to support affected farmers, they might become reluctant to engage in farming activities in the future, resulting in severe consequences for both the state and its people.

Considering the current situation, the organizations presented nine specific demands:

1. Proper assessment of losses suffered by flood-affected farmers

2. Financial assistance for seasonal paddy seeds and vegetable cultivation

3. Free provision of seeds, necessary fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural equipment

4. Free irrigation facilities for farmers

5. Kisan Samman Nidhi allowance for all farmers

6. Maintenance and proper functioning of all LI schemes and DTW schemes for irrigation in Dukli agricultural subdivision

7. MGNREGA work for 200 days annually with daily wages of Rs. 600

8. Financial assistance for fish farmers whose ponds were damaged in floods, and publication of lists of farmers who received government financial grants

9. Pension schemes for farmers and agricultural laborers above 60 years of age

A five-member delegation consisting of Rajkumar Chowdhury, Pankaj Ghosh, Ajay De, Srinivas Banik, and Pinak Pani Sen met with department officials to present these demands. The agricultural department officials assured the delegation that appropriate action would be taken on their demands.

This coordinated effort highlights the severe challenges faced by the farming community in the region and their organized approach to seeking government intervention for recovery and sustainable agricultural development.