Kejriwal Condemns Modi Government’s Cotton Policy, Citing Harm to Indian Farmers

At a press conference in Ahmedabad, Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP National Convenor, voiced his disapproval of the Modi government’s agricultural policies. He highlighted the removal of the 11% import duty on American cotton, which he argued has undermined Indian cotton farmers. He stated that this duty removal has made American cotton more affordable, causing a potential loss for local farmers. He emphasized that this policy shift could force Indian farmers to sell their crop at significantly reduced prices, potentially leading to financial hardship and even suicide. Kejriwal called for a reversal of the policy, advocating for the reinstatement of the import duty, a fair MSP for cotton, and subsidies to support farmers with the cost of seeds and fertilizers. He also suggested that the government should stand up to the pressure from the US.