Imphal, June 09: In consideration of the losses suffered by farmers in the outbreak of Bird flu and flood in 2007, farmers in the State have appealed for waiving off their loan amount under Loan Waiver Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme.

The scheme has been introduced in the Union Budget 2008-09 by the Union Finance Minister P Chittambaram on February 29, 2008 to provide relief to the farmers.

Talking to mediapersons in this regard at Manipur Press Club here today, adviser of All Manipur Joint Action Committee for Scheme of Debt Waiver and Debt Relief for Farmers Laiphrakpam Meghachandra Moirang informed that memorandum have been submitted to Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Chief Minister and MP Dr Th Meinya appealing for waiving off the loan amount taken within December 21, 2007 in consideration of the problems faced by the farmers as a result of outbreak of Bird flu and flood in 2007 and extend loan relief to the farmers within June 30, 2008 .

The devastating flood which occurred during August 8 to 30, 2007 had affected the farmers who are not just engaged in cultivation but also in rearing fish, ducks and pigs with loan taken from the Government.

All these farmers are poor people and sole bread earners of their respective families, Meghachandra explained.

JAC president L Bonny who was also present at the occasion pointed out that just as the Centre has provided Rs 500 crores in the Union Budget for ameliorating the suffering of the farmers in Arunachal Pradesh, similar arrangement for the farmers in Manipur should also be made.

In a State like Manipur which has no scope for industrial development, farmers should be encouraged, he noted.

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