Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha president and MLA K S Puttannaiah accused both the Union and State governments of failing to protect the interests of farmers in the state.
Paying tributes to farmers Siddalingappa Churi and Puttappa Honathi, who were killed in police firing on June 10, 2008, and garlanding the statue of Raitha Huthatma Veeragallu near Hosamani Siddappa Circle here on Monday, he advised police to be kind to farmers.
Farmers fought to get seeds and fertilisers for their land, he said and added this does not mean that they are gundas. It was the duty of farmers to protect the nation by producing more food grains, he said.
Expressing concern over the fact that farmers were not getting a fair price for their crops, he urged the government to come forward to fix the best prices for the produce.
“Our country will develop only when farmers become economically stronger. Unfortunately, many farmers are committing suicide as they are unable to pay back their loans,” he said.
District Raitha Sangha president Ramanna Kenchellar urged the government to provide more funds for the extension of the Upper Tunga Project’s canal work in Haveri district.
District Raitha Sangha secretary G A Hiremath, leaders Ganganna Yeli of Byadgi and Shivabasappa Govi were present.
Earlier, they observed a two-minute silence for the departed souls.