While the govt sources say 29 Farmer Unions from Punjab which were associated with agitations in the State during last few days met the agriculture Secretary Sanjay Agrawal for two hours, the farmers union claimed they boycotted the meeting as the Minister was not present.
The PIB claims “The meeting was attended by the representatives of the Farmers Unions of Punjab. Various issues related to farmers’ welfare were discussed for about two hours.”
At the end of this meeting, two memorandums on behalf of the Farmers’ Unions were given to Mr Agrawal, it adds.
After the meeting, farmer representatives told reporters that they boycotted the meeting as there was no minister present to hear them out, quotes the Business Standard. They protested outside Krishi Bhavan and tore copies of new farm laws.
Clarifying Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar tweeted “The meeting was scheduled at Agriculture Secretary level,”. Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Agrawal is believed to have reiterated govt commitment to protect the interest of farmers at all cost.