RAMBAN, Oct 6: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Kisan Congress Chairman Bharat Priye today chaired a meeting of Congress workers and representatives of the Kisan Congress at Sangaldan in Ramban district, where he took up a wide range of issues confronting farmers, rural communities and the common people of the Chenab region.
Addressing the gathering, Bharat Priye said the Congress Kisan Congress would continue to act as a strong platform for farmers and agricultural workers and would ensure that their genuine concerns are taken up with the administration and the government. He stressed the need for a sustained and organised effort to address issues relating to agriculture, irrigation, rural connectivity, power supply, availability of agricultural inputs, crop losses and adequate support to farming families.
He said farmers in the hilly and remote areas of Ramban face challenges different from those in the plains and therefore require region-specific policies and practical interventions. He called for strengthening irrigation facilities, improving rural roads and farm-to-market connectivity, ensuring timely availability of quality seeds, fertilisers and other inputs, and providing effective compensation to farmers whose crops, livestock and agricultural assets suffer losses due to natural calamities.
Bharat Priye also highlighted the difficulties being faced by small and marginal farmers, orchardists and livestock-dependent families. He said rising input costs, inadequate marketing facilities and lack of remunerative prices have placed additional pressure on farming households. He demanded that the government strengthen procurement and market linkages, promote modern agricultural practices and provide greater institutional support to farmers so that agriculture becomes a sustainable source of livelihood for rural youth.
Taking a broader view of rural development, the Kisan Congress Chairman said agriculture cannot prosper unless basic infrastructure and public services in villages are strengthened. He raised concerns regarding roads, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, education, employment and internet connectivity, particularly in remote and mountainous areas of Ramban. He said rural youth must be provided meaningful employment and skill-development opportunities instead of being compelled to migrate in search of livelihoods.
He further said the Congress would continue to raise issues concerning land rights, compensation, rehabilitation, disaster management and the welfare of people affected by major infrastructure and development projects. While development is necessary, he maintained that affected farmers and landowners must receive fair compensation, rehabilitation and a meaningful opportunity to raise their grievances before authorities.
Bharat Priye criticised what he described as the growing disconnect between government policies and the ground realities faced by farmers. He said announcements and schemes would have little meaning unless their benefits reach the intended beneficiaries in a transparent and timely manner. He called upon Congress workers to remain connected with people at the grassroots and regularly document farmers’ problems so that these could be pursued at the appropriate forums.
He also emphasised the need for strengthening the organisational structure of the Kisan Congress across Jammu and Kashmir. He said the organisation would work beyond political considerations to build a united platform for farmers, agricultural workers, orchardists, dairy farmers and other sections dependent on the rural economy.
On the occasion, Bharat Priye announced retired Naib Tehsildar Gulzar Ahmed Bhat as the District President of Kisan Congress Ramban. He expressed confidence that Bhat, with his administrative experience and grassroots understanding, would strengthen the organisation and effectively raise the concerns of farmers and rural communities in the district.
Gulzar Ahmed Bhat thanked the JKPCC Kisan Congress leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility and assured that he would work to expand the organisation at the grassroots level and remain accessible to farmers. He said the new team would identify local agricultural and rural issues and pursue them through democratic and constitutional means.
The meeting was attended by Arif Ahmad, former Youth DCC President Ramban; Jukman, Block President Chandrasar; Mohd Syed Dar, Block President Gool; Fakir Hussain Dashu, Block President Dharam; Omkar Singh, Block President Sangaldan; Bashir Ahmed Bhat, Sarpanch and PCC Member; Javed Shah, Block DCC President Ramban; Rahi Dass, State Secretary Kisan Cell; and Kali Dass, State Secretary Kisan Cell, besides other Congress workers and local representatives.The participants assured Bharat Priye of their commitment to strengthening the Kisan Congress and taking the concerns of farmers and rural communities to every appropriate platform.