Pakistan Radio finds prosperous farmers in Punjab miserable
6 Oct 2008, 1824 Hrs

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Amritsar, Oct.6 Radio Pakistan in its latest edition of Punjabi Durbar programme has discovered that the Central and Punjab State governments are following anti- farmer policies which are causing miseries in their lives.

The programme has been projecting that inspite of the loan-waiver scheme the farmers have incurred huge debts, which has compelled many of them to commit suicide.

The farmers reacted with disbelief when they heard the programme.

Farmers from village Pandori Wariech in Amritsar district stated that they were content with the price that they were getting for their produce and it's baseless to say that they were committing suicide.

Kashmir Singh Sandhu, one farmer, said: "The claims of Pakistan radio regarding Punjabi farmers are absolutely baseless. The Government has waived the loans of many farmers and extended credit to many others. Farmers are working very hard to get good yield."

Gurindar Bir, another farmer, said: "Farmers are working hard and getting good return for their yield. They are growing good vegetable and other crops. Government should ban programmes like Punjabi Durbar, which is provoking bitterness."

The village head, Sarpanch, question the purpose of such programmes when the Pakistan Government claims to be making efforts to strengthen confidence-building measures. The farmers have appreciated the measures taken by both Indian and Pakistan Governments to give better access to pilgrims to Nankana Saheb and open more trade routes.

Jasbir Singh, Sarpanch Pandori Wariech Village, said: "Farmers are working very hard here everyday. They are very happy. The yield is good as well as farmers are getting good price for their produce in market. Farmers are not committing suicide. They are very busy people taking care of their harvest."

The general feeling is that the Pakistan Radio is totally out of tune with the policies of the Pakistan Government. (ANI)