Raitha Sangha will spread its wings to migrated labourers in Bangaluru

 

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha will spread its wings to migrated labourers in Bangaluru by taking up their issues concerned to various aspects in the alien land.

With alarming increase in the number of farmers migrating to big cities in search of odd jobs following severe drought, and other agricultural issues, Raitha Sangha has decided to unite farmers in big cities, and provide protection, security, strength to such farmers.

Nearly one lakh farmers who have arrived in Bengaluru in search of a

livelihood will be united and brought to the main stream of society. Raitha Sangha will soon set up two associations, 'Halli Makkala Sanghatane' and 'Migrated Farmers Family Association' to unite families of migrated farmers. Both the associations will be launched in August. In the first phase farmers residing in Bengaluru will be united, as majority of them have migrated to Bengaluru, which later will be extended to Mysuru, Hubli and other cities.

As per a survey conducted by Raitha Sangha only those small farmers with small holdings such as less than 3 acres of land, have migrated largely. They are working in garment factories, malls, granite quarries and some even as house maids. Even security guards, room boys, hotel suppliers, construction sector, watchman are some of the professions sought out by these farmers. While, some are eking out a livelihood by owning push carts and renting autos.

Farmer leader Badagalpura Nagendra said that most of the farmers are working

in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Sadashivanagar, Dollars Colony, Chandralayout, Nagarabovi and other areas. Recently 500 farmers working in Rajarajeshwari

Nagar have been brought together and a committee has been formed.

'For those settled and willing to continue living in cities, will be educated

about various government schemes including Mudra Scheme and SHGs

will be formed for the women folk for their welfare. This apart, protection, security will be ensured. Sincere attempts will be made to bring back farmers, who are ever willing to continue farming,' he added.

Farmer leader Chukki Nanjundaswamy said that 'We were working only in villages, and now we are focusing on big cities to unite working class farmers. The forum will give moral support, as well as protection for migrated working class farmers.

Even the younger generation of farmers is not so enthusiastic to take up agriculture due to various factors. They will be educated to tackle the issues, and will be motivated to take up farming activities, as there is a need to save villages and improve economic status of villagers, she added.

“For migrated farmers its an question of survival and to provide a good future of children. Still most of them are suffering hard to earn for livelihood. We hope the farmers associations will protect us,' says Narasaiah working in a factory in Bengaluru.

'Not only drought, but several other issues are affecting agriculture which combined together has made farmers to decide not to continue with farming but seek other jobs instead by migrating to urban areas. As a result the villages are turning into old age homes. There is a need to save villages,' say farmer leaders.