Farmer martyrs’ day will be observed in Hubli on July 21. Farmers who were killed in Naragund-Navalagund ryots uprising will be remembered on the occasion. Writer Devanur Mahadeva will inaugurate the programme which will be presided over K S Puttannaiah of Rajya Raitha Sangha.

Addressing a press meet in the City, H R Basavarajappa of Rajya Raitha Sangha informed  that resolutions will be passed condemning the anti-farmer policies of Union and State Governments on the occasion. Both Union and State Governments have failed to address problems faced by farmers.

Demanding scientific price determination mechanism for crops grown by farmers, he said that even farmers who have grown commercial crops like sugar cane and areca are in dire straits.

Expressing anger against cooperative banks for denying fresh loans for farmers, he said that farmers seeking fresh loans are asked to bring no objection certificate from Nationalised banks and are being harassed.

Sub standard seeds and fertilisers are sold for farmers and existing laws to regulate the same lacks teeth, he alleged.

Regarding rain havoc in the district, he said that loss inflicted by rain this monsoon stands at Rs 40 crore. Water flow along Bhadra canal has been stopped from June 1 for modernisation but actual work hasn’t begun. If Government fails to release water by October as promised earlier, Raitha Sangha will stage intense protest, he cautioned.

Raitha Sangha leaders Eshanna, Shivamurthy, Dr B M Chikkaswamy, Y G Mallikarjuna were present in the press meet.