Mysuru:  A State-level farmers’ convention will be held on Dec. 23 at KSOU Convocation Hall in Mysuru to discuss various problems being faced by the farming community and to demand for their early resolution, said Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers President Kurbur Shanthakumar.

Speaking to mediapersons at PWD Guest House in Nazarbad, he said that the convention or ‘Raitha Habba’ was being organised in Mysuru as part of the World Farmers Day celebration.

“Farmer leaders and activists from across the State will take part in the convention which aims to pressurise the government to fulfil 17 demands of farmers including withdrawal of CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau India Limited) score for granting agriculture loans, granting of loans according to land value among others,” he said and added that adequate electricity must be supplied to pump sets during day time along with wavier of agriculture loans.

Demanding for waiver of GST levied on farming equipment, fertilizers, pesticides, curds and buttermilk, he also sought action against microfinance companies allegedly harassing the members of women’s self-help groups.

Farmers have also been demanding ‘Raitha Habba’ in place of Krishi Mela; a stringent law to stop the menace of middlemen who have been charging 10 percent commission from farmers; 20 percent job reservation for brides tying knots with sons of farmers; Rs. 10,000 pension for farmers above 60 years among others.