Farmers' organisations call for Bharat Bandh on February 16 raising various demands

NEW DELHI: Various farmers' organizations in the country have called for a Bharat Bandh on February 16. The organizations called for the bandh raising various demands, including the implementation of support prices for agricultural crops.

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait said that the farmers' organizations have appealed to the traders to support the bandh on February 16 by going on strike on that day.

"The chief among reasons is the law on MSP Guarantee, unemployment, the Agniveer scheme, pension scheme is also a big issue in the country for the people retiring from service," Tikait said.

"Farmers used to avoid working in the fields on the day of 'Amavasya'. Similarly, February 16 is the new moon for farmers only. Likewise, February 16 is 'Amavasya' only for farmers. They should not work that day and resort to an 'agriculture strike'. This will send a big message in the country," he added.