Brampton, December 2, 2020 (Yes Punjab News)
Brampton Regional Councillor Gurpreet Singh Dhillon has written a letter to Kate Ward, President of the National Farmers Union (Canada) requesting that the union show solidarity with Indian farmers, who are currently protesting the passing of three recent farm bills.
The request follows the passing of Councillor Dhillon’s motion in October, where Brampton Council unanimously voted to support and stand in solidarity with Brampton residents whose families have been adversely affected by the Indian farming acts.
The three federal farming bills, which passed in September are: The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce Act; Farmers Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Service Act; and the Essential Commodities Act. The passing of these acts will result in the privatization of farmers markets in India and will result Indian farmers no longer being eligible for the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) that they were once guaranteed for their crops.
In recent days, tens of thousands of farmers from across India have travelled to New Delhi to peacefully protest. However, they have been met with tear gas, water cannons, and physical force, with much of the violence being share across social media.
“Farmers are the backbone of our society and we must all do our part to support them. The NFU has been a strong supporter of social and economic justice in Canada and internationally for over fifty years,” said Councillor Dhillon. “In line with this vision, I humbly urge them to show solidarity with Indian farmers.”
“I am hopeful that through continued peaceful and constructive advocacy, we will see the overturning of these regressive farming acts.”
Notes:
* India’s agriculture sector contributes nearly 15 per cent of India’s $2.9-trillion economy but employs nearly half of the country’s 1.3 billion people
* 86 per cent of Indian farmers only own two or less acres of farmland with an average income of $1400 per year
Anti-farmer policies, debt, and a deteriorating financial status have led to 363,726 Indian farmers and farm labourers committing suicide.
