NDA Government is pro-farmer, says Vajpayee Sunday, May 2 2004 16:11 Hrs (IST)
Jhajjar:
Asserting that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government was pro-farmer, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (May 2, 2004) said the ruling coalition had several schemes planned for the agricultural community and these could be implemented only if a strong Government comes at the Centre.
Addressing a rally, he listed various measures taken by his Government for the benefit of farmers during the last five years including setting up of Farmers' Commission, Farmers' Credit Card, Krishi Insurance Scheme and increasing the Minimum Support Price of various food grains.
He attacked Congress saying it had the habit of destabilising Government and cautioned people against giving mandate to any anti-farmer Government.
Vajpayee said the NDA Government had wanted another Green revolution in the country by increasing production three times.
He also accused some State Governments without naming them, of indulging in politics over the issue of food and droughts.
The Prime Minister said that due to the efforts of farmers and scientists during his Government's rule, food grains production had increased many times allowing the Government to face droughts.
"If there had been no food grain stocks, there would have famine during the recent droughts in some States, but the Central Government allowed nobody to die and sent food grains and even water by train," Vajpayee said.
Attacking Congress, he said it had thought all problems had been solved after the country became independent but even after 56 years, there are poverty and unemployment.