JAMMU, Jun 4: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Kissan Congress Chairman Bharat Priye has strongly urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to waive electricity tariffs on electric motors used by farmers for irrigation and paddy cultivation, citing the growing financial burden on the farming community following the recent increase in diesel, petrol and LPG prices.
In a statement issued here, Bharat Priye expressed concern over the continuous rise in agricultural input costs, stating that farmers are already grappling with increasing expenses on seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, labour and transportation. The latest hike in fuel and cooking gas prices, he said, has further aggravated the situation, making farming increasingly unviable for small and marginal cultivators. He noted that the agricultural sector forms the backbone of the rural economy and requires urgent policy support to safeguard the interests of farmers.
Highlighting the ongoing paddy cultivation season, Priye said that thousands of farmers across Jammu and Kashmir depend heavily on electric motors and pump sets to irrigate their fields. The electricity charges associated with operating these motors constitute a significant expenditure, particularly for farmers cultivating water-intensive crops such as paddy. Waiving power tariffs on agricultural motors, he argued, would provide immediate financial relief and help reduce the cost of cultivation at a time when farmers are facing mounting economic pressures.
The Kissan Congress leader maintained that agriculture remains a vital source of livelihood for a large section of the population, and any increase in production costs ultimately impacts food prices and rural incomes. He stressed that reducing the financial burden on farmers would not only strengthen the agricultural sector but also contribute to food security and rural development. He called upon the government to formulate farmer-friendly policies that address the challenges posed by rising inflation and ensure sustainable agricultural growth.
Bharat Priye further said that extending power tariff exemptions to agricultural consumers would encourage greater investment in farming activities and help cultivators adopt modern irrigation practices. He urged the administration to announce a comprehensive relief package for farmers, including subsidies on agricultural inputs, affordable electricity for irrigation purposes and measures to offset the impact of escalating fuel prices.
Reiterating the commitment of the Kissan Congress towards protecting the interests of farmers, Priye appealed to the government to act swiftly on the demand and provide much-needed support to the farming community. He asserted that timely intervention would not only alleviate the hardships faced by cultivators but also reinforce confidence among farmers ahead of the crucial agricultural season.