Farmers bodies revive demand for agri loan waiver in Gujarat

The announcement of waiver of farm loans by the state governments of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhatisgarh has come as a shot in the arm for farmers in Gujarat. Bodies representing farmers have revived their demand of waiving of farm loans in the state.

"We are conducting a march from Jan 9-11 from Karamsad (birthplace of Sardar Patel) to Gandhi Ashram next month to press for a complete loan waiver of farmers in Gujarat," said Sagar Rabari, founder president of Gujarat Khedut Ekta Manch. The Manch has also organized programs at district and taluka levels and will submit memoranda to district collectors and taluka mamlatdars.

"This year, rains have been deficient. This is the second year in succession that rains have been scarce. The government says it does not have sufficient water to enable farmers to irrigate their farms. Farmers are not getting remunerative prices. Insurance companies are not clearing claims of farmers, who have suffered crop damage. Time to waive of farms loans is very suitable," said Rabari.

According to State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) for July – September quarter, farmers in Gujarat have taken loans worth Rs 82,608 crore, of which Rs 47,318 crore consists of Crop Loans, while Rs 35,290 crore consists of Term Loans. Moreover, Rs 2,158 crore worth of crop loans and Rs 3,261 crore worth of Term Loans have turned bad.

Another farmer activist Bharatsinh Jhala has sought a meeting with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. "This has been our long pending demand. Every passing day debt burden of farmers is rising, while returns are diminishing. If we want to ensure food security of the country, we need to protect the interests of farmers. As of now, it is necessary to waive off farm loans," said Jhala.

Gujarat Khedut Samaj (GKS) is also reviving its demand to waive off farm loans in the state. "We are collecting all the data regarding loans of farmers. Once we get all the data, we will approach the government," said Jayesh Patel, president of GKS.

Farmers bodies are saying that with rising input costs and declining returns, farm debt is moving northwards. In just one quarter, bad loans of farmers have risen 46 per cent from Rs 4,270 crore to Rs 5,419 crore.