Jammu, Jul 31: J&K BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma on Friday raised the issue of low-wage rates for agricultural workers as compared to certain other workers in the Rajya Sabha, urging the union government to further enhance wages and incentives for those engaged in farming.
Reaffirming the BJP’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and dignity of farmers, he emphasised that those who feed the nation deserve fair economic recognition.
Describing farmers as the country’s true “Annadata”, Sat Sharma said it is unjust that wage rates, including VDA, in the agricultural sector remain substantially lower than those paid for occupations such as sweeping, watch and ward, loading, unloading and other categories of labour. He stressed that this disparity must be addressed to strengthen India’s agricultural economy and ensure justice for the farming community.
The J&K BJP president sought to know whether the government had any proposal to enhance the wages of farmers and agricultural workers, asserting that better remuneration was essential for improving their socio-economic security and encouraging the younger generation to remain connected with agriculture.
Sharma highlighted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the welfare of farmers remained at the centre of national policy making over the past twelve years. Historic initiatives such as PM-KISAN, enhanced MSP procurement, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Cards, expansion of Kisan Credit Cards, irrigation projects, promotion of natural farming and digital agriculture have significantly strengthened the socio-economic condition of crores of farmers across the country.
