Congress urges Badal to take up issue of Punjabi farmers being denied visas by georgian govt.

Chandigarh, Congress urges Badal to take up issue of Punjabi farmers being denied visas by georgian govt. with Mr. Modi Pm on priority. Today in a press statement Punjab congress party’s ex spokesperson Mr. Sukhpal khaira said that As we are aware, hundreds of farmers from Punjab have fallen trap to the advertisements issued by the Georgian govt., promising agricultural lands at cheap rates. The said farmers have INVESTED their lifetime savings or sold their precious lands in Punjab, to purchase vast tracts of agricultural land in Georgia. The said INVESTMENT running into crores has been going on for the last approx.more than three years. All of a sudden, the Georgian govt. without assigning any legitimate reason has begun to deny visa to these farmers, as a result there is deep frustration, resentment and anguish amongst them. These farmers are now running from pillar to post, to either recover their INVESTMENTS or to become legitimate owners of agricultural lands in Georgia.

Such large scale exodus by farmers of Punjab to unknown countries, also brings to fore the critical position of agrarian economy of the state. Needless to mention, the farmers of Punjab are facing a colossal debt of Rs. 75,000 crore, half of which is institutional or banking loans, while the other half is due to the commission agents often charging very high rates of interest. Land holdings have shrunk, rendering the small and marginal farms non profitable. There have been spate of suicides in the state, owing to their inability to repay their debt. The alarming growth of drug menace in the state is also directly connected to the failure of agrarian economy.he added

It is astonishing and surprising that the Shiromani Akali Dal which claims itself to be the sole champion of farmers rights, is maintaining a studied silence over marginalization of Punjabi farmers by the Georgian govt. Although, Mr. B.S.Ramoowalia is making individual efforts to ensure justice to these struggling farmers, Mr. Badal and his govt. have not taken any initiative to resolve the crises.he said

Therefore, Congress party urges Mr. Badal to take up this burning issue with Mr. Modi Prime Minister, who in turn must open diplomatic channels with the Georgian govt., without any further delay. Mr. Badal should infact lead a delegation to Georgia, to ensure the resolution of farmers deadlock with their govt. In case Mr. Badal fails to take immediate concrete measures, it would be presumed that the SAD is only interested in exploiting their sentiments for cheap political gains and leaves them in lurch during their need of hour.he added