JAMMU, May 15: Bharat Priye on Friday voiced serious concern over the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, saying the hike would “break the backbone of the farming community” at a time when farmers are gearing up for the crucial paddy cultivation season across Jammu and Kashmir. He termed the decision “anti-farmer” and said it would further deepen the economic crisis already confronting the agricultural sector.
In a statement issued here, Bharat Priye said that diesel is the most essential component of modern farming and any increase in its price directly impacts agricultural operations. He pointed out that farmers heavily depend on diesel-run tractors, tillers, harvesters and irrigation pumps during paddy cultivation for ploughing fields, preparing nurseries, transplanting and maintaining irrigation. “The increase in diesel prices has come at the worst possible time when farmers are preparing their fields for sowing and transplantation of paddy,” he said.
He said the farming community in Jammu and Kashmir is already struggling with multiple challenges including rising prices of fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, electricity tariffs and labour charges. According to him, the fresh fuel price hike will sharply raise input costs and make cultivation economically unviable for small and marginal farmers. He added that many farmers are already under debt and are finding it difficult to sustain agricultural activities due to shrinking profits and uncertain market returns.
Bharat Priye further said that the diesel hike would not only impact farming operations but would also increase transportation expenses for agricultural produce, vegetables and essential commodities. This, he warned, would eventually trigger inflation in the market and adversely affect common consumers as well. “Whenever fuel prices rise, the burden ultimately falls on both farmers and ordinary citizens. The rural economy suffers the most because agriculture remains dependent on fuel-driven machinery and transport,” he remarked.
He also expressed concern over the increasing financial distress among farmers due to unpredictable weather conditions, inadequate irrigation facilities and lack of proper government support. He said instead of providing subsidies and relief to strengthen the agricultural sector, the government has imposed additional burdens on farmers through repeated hikes in fuel prices. He alleged that such decisions expose the anti-farmer policies of the Centre and show complete insensitivity towards rural India.
Calling for immediate intervention, Bharat Priye urged the Central Government to roll back the hike in petrol and diesel prices without delay and announce a special relief package for farmers ahead of the paddy season. He stressed that protecting the farming sector is essential for ensuring food security, economic stability and the welfare of lakhs of families dependent on agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir.