Uttarakhand Congress State President, Honorable Karan Mahara, today joined the “Baghwan Nyay Yatra” of farmers gathered at Gandhi Park, Dehradun.
On this occasion, Honorable Karan Mahara said that the BJP government in the state had promised farmers and orchardists dreams, promising to plant apple, kiwi, and other fruit orchards, and the government would provide subsidies, support, and make them self-reliant. Believing in this, farmers and orchardists risked their land, hard work, time, and capital.
But today, the situation is such that orchards have been planted, but government subsidies remain only on paper. Farmers have been running from office to office for months, files are being prepared, photos are being taken, but they are still receiving no subsidies. Forced to do so, a large group of distressed orchardists sat on a protest at Gandhi Park, Dehradun. This is not a protest, but rather the voice of farmers’ helplessness and broken hopes.
Honorable Karan Mahara further stated that the Chief Minister makes tall claims on stage, saying, “Subsidies will definitely be provided,” and “Farmers’ rights will not be taken away.” But the truth is, something else is going on on the ground.
Farmers are being prevented by the threat that they won’t receive even a single rupee of assistance unless 25% of the total subsidy is placed in the hands of a “special person” in advance. This means that farmers won’t receive their dues without paying a “cut.” This is a clear betrayal and deception of farmers.
Honorable Karan Mahara further stated that this government system, under the guise of promoting horticulture, is only opening a new avenue for corruption. Those farmers who mortgaged their land to plant orchards are now struggling to find work. Farmers are unaware of the game of “cuts and sells,” and the government is taking advantage of this naiveté. This sends a clear message: if the government doesn’t immediately release subsidies and end this system of corruption and brokerage, farmers will not only take to the streets but also go to the doors of the Assembly.
This isn’t just a subsidy issue; it’s a question of labor, dignity, and the future of farmers.
