Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 9: Concerns over the availability of fertilisers, seeds and pesticides in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands figured prominently at the sixth state conference of the All India Kisan Sabha, where speakers also called for wider mobilisation against what they described as anti-farmer policies.
The conference was held at Diglipur in North Andaman on September 8, 2026, with 53 delegates and observers attending from different parts of the islands.
Inaugurating the conference, All India Kisan Sabha General Secretary Vijoo Krishnan alleged that the Union government’s policies had adversely affected farmers and claimed that free trade agreements with several countries could increase imports of agricultural products, including arecanut, potentially affecting domestic cultivators.
Krishnan also alleged that the government was attempting to implement the three farm laws that were withdrawn following protests and agitation by farmers. He said workers, farmers and agricultural workers would organise large-scale agitations across the country in the coming months against policies they consider detrimental to their interests.
Turning to the islands, Krishnan said farmers continued to face difficulties over the availability of fertilisers, seeds and pesticides. He called on farmers in Andaman and Nicobar to strengthen the Kisan Sabha to pursue their demands.
Addressing the delegate session, CITU State Committee Vice President D. Ayyappan outlined issues affecting residents of North and Middle Andaman and criticised the government over what he described as failures to address public demands. He also said shortages of agricultural inputs had left farmers dependent on private firms.
The conference reviewed the Kisan Sabha’s activities during the previous four years, with state committee secretary SR Mridha presenting the organisational report and treasurer KP Paul placing the accounts. Delegates also adopted resolutions on farmers’ concerns and other general issues.
The proceedings began with Kisan Sabha president Gouranga Majhi hoisting the organisation’s flag, followed by floral tributes to martyrs at a memorial column at the venue. Delegates subsequently elected new office bearers and the state committee.
A public meeting at Diglipur bazaar followed the delegate session, addressed by Krishnan, Ayyappan, Projit Kumar Sarkar and P. Sathyapal, with Gouranga Majhi presiding.
