AIKS National Conference to be held to discuss farmer suicides and trade challenges

The 36th National Conference of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) will be held in Nalgonda, Telangana, from November 15 to 18. This information was provided by K. Prabhakar Reddy, State Secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham, during a press conference on Tuesday.

The conference will involve in-depth discussions on the primary challenges facing farmers and the agricultural sector across the country. Serious issues, particularly farmer suicides, fair and profitable prices for crops, and the impact of international trade agreements on Indian agriculture, will be deliberated upon.

K. Prabhakar Reddy stated that the effects of agreements made by the Central Government with the United States and European countries will also be discussed. Additionally, deliberations will be held regarding the proposed Electricity Amendment Act and the Seed Amendment Act.

As part of the conference, a massive public meeting has been organised for November 15, where the presence of approximately 1 lakh farmers is expected. Former MP Brinda Karat will be present as the keynote speaker. Along with her, AIKS President Ashok Dhawale, General Secretary Viju Krishnan, and former General Secretary Anan Mulla will also participate in the programme.

Prabhakar Reddy appealed to the farmers of Andhra Pradesh to join the conference and make it a success. M. Haribabu, State General Secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Tenant Farmers Association, stated that both organisations will conduct publicity in villages so that farmers can understand the importance of this conference. On November 14 and 15, unified mobilisation will be carried out by farmers and tenant farmers through flag-hoisting ceremonies.

Mentioning the crop damage caused by frequent cyclones in the state, Haribabu stated that the organisations will visit villages under the programme 'Listen to and Understand the Problems of Affected Farmers and Tenant Farmers'.

He alleged that the international agreements made by the BJP-led Central Government are exposing Indian farmers to competition from foreign corporate interests. The objective of this conference is to bring all major farmer organisations onto a common platform to lay the foundation for a joint movement against policies detrimental to farmers and tenant farmers.

During the press conference, the leaders also unveiled the wall poster of the National Conference. State Rythu Sangham President V. Krishnaiah, Tenant Farmers Association President B. Balaram, and senior farmer leader Y. Keshav Rao were present on the occasion. According to a report by The Hindu, the entire event is being organised for the protection of farmers' interests.