Decision to import maize flayed

Watsupptoday | Jammu

Panthers Kisan Union (PKU) has flayed the decision by the Central government to import maize. The union has said that the farmers of Jammu & Kashmir shall resist all attempts of the Union Govt to bring imported maize in the UT and shall not allow sale of even one bag of the imported maize here. �The Panthers Kisan Union (PKU) shall fight every attempt of Govt. of India to turn maize farmers into beggars,� the union said in a press release adding that the union shall fight this nefarious design tooth and nail to protect the interests of farming community.
�It is worth mentioning that maize is one of the important crops in the UT. The Central Government has modified norms for the import of 5 lac tons maize under tariff rate quota scheme and reduced the import duty on that from 50% to 15%. According to media reports the maize is being sold in Bihar at Rs. 1200-1250 per quintal despite that fact that its Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 2019-20 is Rs. 2000-2400. It is shocking that despite this fact the government is allowing import of maize appearing to please the multi-national pizza chains,� the release added.
The Union demands that the government first purchase maize from the farmers at the rate of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and then think of any import, if needed. Shockingly the government has taken a unilateral decision to import maize in these tough hours of Covid-19 pandemic.
Kisan Union leaders had a detailed discussion with Panthers Party Supremo, Prof. Bhim Singh on the issue. Prof. Singh has agreed to launch a statewise Kisan movement in the country on this issue. The Kisan Union warns the State and Central Government of �Kisans mode of direct action without pre-notifications�, if the import policy is not withdrawn immediately, the consequences of which shall have to be borne by the Central and the Union Territory Administration.