Airport Authority should assist farmers whose crops have been destroyed: AMPFA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 13 2020:
All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association (AMPFA) has urged the Airport Authority and the State Government to assist the hapless farmers, following the eviction drive carried out a couple of days earlier inside the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport.
It may be noted that the paddy plants which had entered the ripening phase were destroyed using tractors, leaving the farmers 'wailing' helplessly.
The video of the destruction of the paddy field also went viral on social media and had drawn criticism from many even as the cultivation was done on the encroached land.
AMPFA, in a statement, the Airport Authority and the State Government should consider the plight of the farmers who cultivated rice, though on an encroached land.
These poor farmers depend for sustenance by farming.
Many of the farmers belong to the section of people who were forced out of work due to the COVID-19 crisis, it added while seeking compensation or assistance from the State Government and authorities concerned considering the condition of the farmers.
The recent destruction of crops has once again reminded the ill effect of dwindling cultivable areas in the State and it should not be taken lightly, it said.
The association also urged the State Government to effectuate provisions or legislation meant to save and conserve agricultural lands.
The State will become economically vibrant and self-reliant only when cultivable lands are preserved and productivity increased, it continued.