The government is thinking of sending agricultural experts and leaders of various farmers’ organisations to Kenya and Uganda to study the cultivation methods practised there and explore the possibility of the state’s farmers working there. Agriculture minister Mr Raghuveera Reddy disclosed this in the Assembly recently. He also addressed the concern over sending farmers to Africa given that the political situation there was “not good”.
TDP legislators, opposed the government’s move. Mr P Keshav said the law and order situation in African countries, most of which are under the purview of the UN, was bad. He warned about the possible exploitation of the agricultural labourers by countries having a large number of sugar distilleries. CPI-M leader Mr N Narasimhaiah urged the government to be cautious. The agriculture minister said no decision had been taken.
Mr CC Reddy, advisor to the government on foreign investments, had visited the countries in October 2004 and submitted a report. He conceded to the CPI-M’s demand to place the report in the House. The government would send another team comprising experts from the NG Ranga Agriculture University and leaders of farmers’ organisations affiliated to different parties to study the cultivation practices there.
