Gadkari blames global economy, excess output for agriculture crisis

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday blamed the global economic situation and surplus production for farmers’ woes, and said that the Centre is working on “a war footing” to solve their problems.

The Union minister of shipping and road transport was addressing a press conference here to highlight the BJP-led Central government’s achievements in the last four years.

“This situation has arisen due to the global economy and surplus production. This is an old issue, not a new one. The government is working on a war footing by formulating mid- and longterm policies as well as exporting excess produce,” he said to a question about the ongoing farmers’ agitation.

Asked about the situation in Maharashtra which has witnessed major farmers’ agitations recently, he said, “Farmers are facing some difficulties, not getting proper minimum support price, and milk prices have come down. But Maharashtra is a progressive state. Around ₹2,000 crore worth of grapes and ₹1,600 crore worth of onions have been exported from here. Dry ports are coming up in Nashik, Jalna, Wardha, Pune and Sangli. Irrigation potential is increasing in Maharashtra,” Gadkari said.

On the setbacks for the BJP in the recent by-elections, Gadkari said, “Politics is not being done on the issue of development. Communal politics is being pursued ...”

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