Mangalore, March 14, 2008: The Karnataka Pranta Raitha Sangha (KPRS) has urged the Government to directly purchase agriculture produce from farmers to boost their income level.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, Mr S.M. Haridas Bhat, member of the state committee of KPRS, said that the loan waiver scheme announced by the Union Finance Minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, in the General Budget will benefit only a few farmers.

Apart from this, the Government should initiate steps to increase the income level of farmers.

In this regard, it should directly purchase agriculture produce from farmers, Mr Bhat said.

On the establishment of SEZs (special economic zones) in the country, he said that there is a need for a change in land acquisition rules with regard to agriculture land.

Source: The Hindu Business Line