DH NEWS SERVICE
Srinagar, Jul 6
In a significant move to address the ongoing challenges faced by the farming community, BJP MLA from Marh Assembly constituency, Surinder Kumar, led a delegation of farmers and stakeholders to meet Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in Srinagar. The meeting focused on key agricultural concerns, with a major emphasis on the burden of the 9% registration fee on tractor purchases, which has emerged as a pressing issue for small and marginal farmers in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the discussion, MLA Surinder Kumar expressed deep concern over the financial strain caused by the high registration fee, stating that such a policy severely limits the ability of small-scale farmers to invest in essential agricultural equipment. “This 9% fee on tractors is proving to be a major obstacle for our farming community. It prevents them from accessing machinery that is crucial for modernizing their farming practices and boosting productivity,” he said. He urged the Union Minister to reconsider the existing fee structure and provide immediate relief by reducing or waiving the charge to support economically vulnerable farmers.
The Union Agriculture Minister gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised and assured the delegation that the matter would be looked into with due seriousness. Surinder Kumar expressed hope that the Minister’s intervention would pave the way for policy-level changes that would ease the financial burden on farmers and promote mechanized and efficient farming in the region.
In addition to the registration fee issue, MLA Surinder Kumar also highlighted the need for timely supply of quality seeds for the upcoming paddy sowing season. He pointed out that delays in seed distribution in the past had adversely affected crop yield and farmer morale. “Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and ensuring they have access to inputs like seeds on time is the least we can do to support them,” he said.
The delegation also discussed broader development concerns in the Marh constituency. MLA Surinder Kumar stressed the need for a comprehensive development plan focusing on key areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth employment, and skill development. He emphasized that rural constituencies like Marh require sustained government attention and investment to bridge development gaps and improve the quality of life for residents.
As an elected representative of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Surinder Kumar has consistently raised the voice of farmers and rural communities. His proactive engagement with the Union Minister reflects his commitment to addressing the pressing concerns of his constituents and promoting inclusive development in Jammu and Kashmir.
