AIKS announces its 22nd Sub-Divisional Conference in Belonia, highlighting rising agricultural distress, soaring input costs, and urgent demands for pro-farmer policies. Leaders call for fair prices, government intervention, and collective action to protect farmers and revive agriculture.
The Belonia Sub-Divisional Committee of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has announced that preparations are underway for its 22nd Sub-Divisional Conference, scheduled to be held on December 17 and 18. Addressing the media, AIKS leaders urged people from all walks of life—especially farming families—to participate in large numbers to make the conference a resounding success.
The announcement comes at a time when farmers across India, including those in Tripura, are battling severe distress due to rising agricultural costs, stagnant government assistance, and shrinking income opportunities. During the press briefing, the leaders drew parallels between Tripura’s agrarian situation and the nationwide agricultural crisis, stressing that the challenges faced by the state’s farmers mirror those of millions across the country.
Farmers’ Crisis Deepens as Cultivation Becomes Unaffordable
Highlighting the evolving nature of the farmers’ movement, AIKS leaders recalled that earlier generations of cultivators had raised the slogan “Give us land.” However, they noted that the reality today has drastically transformed. Many farmers who once struggled to own agricultural land now find themselves unable to afford the cost of cultivating the land they already have.
According to the leaders, the soaring prices of essential agricultural inputs—fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, irrigation equipment, and fuel—have pushed cultivation beyond the reach of small and marginal farmers. Despite this sharp rise in input costs, government support in the form of subsidies, procurement prices, and welfare schemes has failed to keep pace, leaving cultivators in a precarious situation.
As a result, vast stretches of cultivable land are reportedly being left fallow across Tripura and other states. Farmers who once relied on seasonal cultivation for their livelihoods are now abandoning agricultural activities due to the widening gap between expenditure and earnings. AIKS leaders warned that if the crisis continues unchecked, it could lead to severe long-term consequences, including food scarcity and rural poverty.
AIKS Calls for Comprehensive Government Intervention
During the interaction, the leaders stressed that the responsibility to revive the agricultural sector lies with both the State and Central governments. They argued that without immediate and concrete steps, neither farmers nor agricultural lands can be saved, ultimately threatening India’s food security and economic stability.
AIKS demanded a strong policy framework aimed at supporting and safeguarding farmers. Their key demands include:
Adoption of Pro-Agriculture Policies: Policies must focus on reducing input costs and expanding financial assistance.
Ensuring Fair and Remunerative Prices: Farmers should receive guaranteed fair prices for their produce, with robust procurement mechanisms in place.
Revival of Fallow Lands: Government initiatives should encourage and support farmers to bring unused farmland back under cultivation.
Strengthening Rural Infrastructure: Expansion of irrigation networks, storage facilities, and market connectivity is essential for reducing losses and increasing profits.
Security for Farmer Livelihoods: Measures that enhance income stability and social protection are crucial to prevent further distress migration from rural areas.
These issues, along with broader concerns impacting the agricultural sector, will form the core agenda of the upcoming two-day conference.
Strengthening Agriculture Is the Only Path Forward, Says AIKS
The AIKS leaders reiterated that India’s progress is inseparably linked to the condition of its farmers and the strength of its agricultural foundation. They argued that agriculture continues to be the backbone of the nation’s economy, supporting millions of families and providing the essential food supply chain that sustains the country.
They further noted that while technological advancement, industrial development, and urban expansion are important for national growth, none can replace the fundamental role of agriculture. Without a prosperous farming community, they said, India cannot hope to achieve equitable development or ensure long-term economic resilience.
The leaders expressed confidence that the 22nd Sub-Divisional Conference at Belonia will serve as a crucial platform for discussions on agrarian issues, policy recommendations, and collective mobilisation to protect the rights and livelihoods of farmers. The event is expected to witness participation from farmer representatives, grassroots activists, agricultural experts, and members of the public who share concerns about the future of farming in the region.
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As preparations gather momentum, AIKS has appealed to the farming community and local residents to attend the conference in large numbers and contribute to shaping strategies aimed at resolving the agrarian distress.
