Mysore/Mysuru: Seeking a repeal of farm laws of the State Government and compensation for crop loss, farmers will hold a convention at Belagavi tomorrow (Dec. 12).

Announcing this at a press meet here yesterday, KRRS President Badagalapura Nagendra said that convention has been organised a day ahead of the winter session of the State Legislature which is slated to commence at Belagavi from Dec. 13.

Pointing out that Samyukta Kisan Morcha national leader Dr. Ashok Dhawale will inaugurate the convention at Sankalpa Garden in Kanaburgi area of Belagavi at 11 am tomorrow (Dec. 12), Nagendra said that more than 800 representatives of different farmer organisations will take part in the conference.

Stating that resolutions will be passed urging the Government to withdraw the amendments to Land Reforms Act, APMC Act and Anti-Cow Slaughter Bill, he contended that the Centre was forced to repeal the three farm laws, which were anti-farmer in nature, as farmers continued their stir for over a year near the Delhi border. Continuing, he said that writer Allamaprabhu Bettadur will preside over the convention.

Maintaining that farmers have incurred losses to the tune of Rs. 2,500 crore due to incessant rains that lashed the district, Nagendra said that the Government has released a paltry Rs. 182 crore.

Accusing the authorities of failing to conduct crop loss survey in a scientific manner, he said that the Government must fix compensation in accordance with actual losses.

Urging the State Government to repeal its controversial amendments to farm laws, he wanted the Government to allow farmers to sell unproductive cattle and also to withdraw the Anti-Cow Slaughter Bill.

Nagendra further said that as part of late famer leader K.S. Puttannaiah’s birth anniversary, a two-day workshop for young farmer leaders from eight districts of old Mysuru region will be held  on Dec. 23 and 24.

Pointing out that 25 leaders will be trained on farmer organisational skills, he said that the workshop will be held either at Mysuru or Mandya or Kodagu and the place will be finalised shortly. KRRS is planning to hold a massive State-level rally on Feb. 18, marking the death anniversary of K.S. Puttannaiah, he added. KRRS office-bearers Hosur Kumar, Hoskote Basavaraj, Prasanna N.Gowda, Vijayendra, Prabhakar and Mandakalli Mahesh  were present at the press meet.