Shimla, December 30, 2024: Farmers’ organizations in Himachal Pradesh have criticized successive state governments. They accused them of failing to address the worsening plight of farmers.
A state-level convention was held at Kalibari, Shimla, on Monday. It was organized by the Himachal Kisan Sabha and the Himachal Apple Producers Association. Over 400 farmers from across the state participated.
The farmers highlighted the “empty rhetoric” of the government.
“Our Land, Our Right!” Farmers Oppose Eviction, Demand Land Regularisation
Farmers have hit the streets in protest against ongoing eviction drives, demanding the regularisation of land they’ve been cultivating for generations.
“This land has fed our families for decades. Now, calling it illegal and taking it away is pure injustice!” said farmers.
The farmers’ unions have urged the government to halt evictions and devise a plan to regularise land occupied by those dependent on it for their livelihoods.
What’s the official stand?
Officials claim the eviction orders were issued under court directions. However, the farmers argue that the court must consider their hardships and ground realities before passing such orders.
They slammed the Sukhu-led government for amending the Land Ceiling Act to benefit trusts and religious groups like Radha Soami. However, the government has not introduced a policy on Nautore land and has only misled farmers".
Farmers said the cost of fertilizers and pesticides has skyrocketed. This has made farming, especially apple cultivation, unaffordable for many.
“Farmers Paying the Price for Government Apathy”
Rakesh Singha, National Convener of the All India Apple Producers Association criticized laws like the Indian Forest Act (1927) and Forest Conservation Act (1980). He also mentioned the Forest Rights Act (2006).
“These laws have provisions that harm farmers,” he said. “Amendments are needed to reflect current realities.”
He accused the government of being insensitive to farmers' issues. “The government didn’t present a strong case in the Supreme Court,” Singha added. “Farmers could have received relief, but the government failed.”
Sanjay Chauhan, Co-Convener of the United Farmers’ Front stressed the need for an action plan. “The situation after recent court decisions demands a strategy,” Chauhan said. “The government cannot ignore farmers anymore.”
Bold Proposals for Action
Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, State President of the Himachal Kisan Sabha, proposed an action plan. He said sub-division and district-level conventions will be held over the next six weeks.
Farmers will march to the state secretariat during the budget session, he announced.
The resolutions passed included eight demands:
- Immediate mutation of government-owned land cultivated by farmers.
- Resolving all Nautore land issues through special mutation processes.
- Fair compensation for 2023 disaster-affected farmers, as per Forest Conservation Act amendments.
- Reinstating the "Transfer" policy to exchange forest-occupied land for agricultural plots.
- Implementing the resolution passed under Rule 102 during the winter assembly.
- Identifying lands lost to natural disasters.
- Granting ownership rights for land classified as “Kudra-O-Darakhtan Malkiyat Sarkar.”
- Revising Shamlat land laws in Sirmaur to support small landholders.
Farmers also demanded ownership rights for Chakotedars. They called for immediate resolution of pending claims.
"Not Farmer-Friendly Governments"
Dr. Omkar Shad, a farmer leader, criticized the government for its inaction. “In 2015-16, the government passed a land regularization resolution,” he said. “An affidavit was submitted, but no action was taken.”
“These governments are not farmer-friendly,” Shad declared. “They only mislead farmers. Farmers must organize and fight for their rights.”
Farmers expressed anger at their worsening conditions. Shrinking landholdings, crop failures, and unaffordable input costs were highlighted.
Jagannath, a member of the Bhoomihin Awashheen Sangh, shared his frustration. “Fertilizer and pesticide prices are breaking our backs,” he said.
The convention sent a strong message to the government. Farmers warned that protests will intensify if their demands are not met.
