Tumakuru, 9 March

The Karnataka State Farmers' Association (Green Sene) on Monday organised a protest against the State government’s ‘anti-farmer’ agenda, in front of the district collector's office in Tumakuru.

Farmers demanded the immediate granting of land rights to those who have been actively cultivating lands within the Tumakuru city limits for many years.

Members of the Karnataka State Farmers' Association (Green Sene) launched an intense Dharani Satyagraha, wearing green shawls and demanding that the government address their grievances.

Farmers from across the district gathered, brandishing their traditional green shawls, to mount a vocal protest against the state government's "anti-farmer" agenda.

The demonstration brought traffic to a standstill as protesters occupied the road in front of the collector's office. The protest centred on a multi-point charter of demands intended to protect the livelihoods of farmers.

They also demanded the repeal of the Land Reforms Act, arguing that allowing non-farmers to purchase agricultural land threatens the food security and heritage of the farming community.

Protesters have strictly warned against the acquisition of fertile agricultural land for non-agricultural or industrial purposes.

The association is demanding a complete prohibition on mining activities within agricultural zones, citing the irreversible damage such operations cause to soil fertility and irrigation water sources.

Leaders of the Green Sene emphasised that this is a fight for the survival of agriculture in the region. "We will not allow our fertile lands to be sacrificed for commercial greed," one representative stated. The dharna will continue until the government provides written assurances to review these contentious policies.