Farmer Leader Rakesh Tikait Criticizes Union Budget 2024 Over Farmer Benefits

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait criticized the Union Budget 2024, arguing it would not benefit farmers realistically. He emphasized the need for free electricity, water, and reduced GST on farming equipment. Tikait also highlighted issues faced by women in milk production and questioned the government's rural health and employment plans.

After the Union Budget 2024 was presented in Parliament on Tuesday, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait expressed his dissatisfaction, asserting that the budget would not benefit farmers on the ground.

Speaking with ANI, Tikait criticized the budget, stating, "They (the Centre) might find this budget good on paper, but it is not going to benefit the farmers on the ground. Companies that will teach organic farming to the farmers are going to benefit from this."

The farmer leader further advocated for the government to provide free electricity and water to benefit farmers. "The government should pay the price of crops, provide free power and water, offer cheap fertilizers, and reduce GST on farming equipment if they want to benefit farmers," he said. Tikait also highlighted that women involved in milk production are landless, with no provisions for them, and noted the drop in milk prices over the past year.

"There are no provisions for them. Milk prices also dropped in a year. They are in the worst condition. What did you do for the labourers who work in factories? What did you do for health? Are there any plans for rural health?" he questioned. On the government's plan to boost natural farming, Tikait remarked, "Some company or NGO will come, take the money, teach the farmers natural farming, and ask them to use cow dung manure. Farmers are already doing this."

In her seventh consecutive Union Budget for 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined nine key priorities aimed at fostering economic growth and creating ample opportunities, including agriculture productivity, employment, urban development, and innovation.

(With inputs from agencies.)