BANGALORE: Activists of Aid India – Bangalore Chapter took out a rally in support of the farmers on Tuesday and sought the Government’s intervention to prevent farmers’ suicide. The rally in Bangalore was one among those taken out in 54 cities across the world.

They include better minimum support price to the farm produce, adding agriculture as valued work under National Rural Employment Generation Act, importance to organic and natural farming, extension of crop insurance and proper implementation of the farm package announced by the Prime Minister.

Aid India – Bangalore Chapter secretary Prasanna Saligrama told The Hindu that October 2 was chosen for the rally as it was the birthday of both Mahatma Gandhi and the late Lal Bahadur Shastry who held farmers dear.

He said: “While the Government imports a kilo of wheat for Rs. 12, it is paying Rs. 7 as minimum support price to the local farmer. The increased costs of farm inputs and low returns are driving the farmers to despair and they are committing suicide,” he added.