Modi Govt deeply committed to farmers’ welfare: Billawaria

JAMMU: Baldev Singh Billawaria, General Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Party Jammu Kashmir and former Deputy Mayor, has strongly advocated for lifting restrictions on the inter-state sale of Khair wood, stating that removing such curbs would significantly benefit farmers and strengthen the rural economy of the region. During a meeting with senior leaders from Pahari Zila, including Omakant Basotra, former President of the Municipal Committee Billawar, and Bikram Singh, DDC Billawar, several pressing public issues were brought to his notice. 

Among these, the burning issue of restrictions on the sale of Khair wood outside the Union Territory was highlighted as a matter of serious concern affecting a large section of the farming community.

They informed Billawaria that farmers cultivating Khair trees are facing financial distress due to limitations on selling their produce beyond the UT. They expressed strong resentment over the existing policy, stating that it restricts access to wider markets and deprives growers of competitive and fair prices. According to them, granting farmers the liberty to sell Khair wood across state boundaries would substantially enhance their income and provide much-needed economic stability to hundreds of affected families.

Responding to the concerns, Billawaria assured the leaders that every genuine issue related to the welfare and socio-economic empowerment of the farming community deserves immediate attention and prompt resolution. He emphasized that policies should enable farmers to maximize the value of their produce rather than restrict their economic opportunities.

He further said that the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is deeply committed to farmers’ welfare and is consistently working to ensure that agricultural produce receives adequate market access and remunerative prices. Billawaria underlined that empowering farmers through progressive market reforms and removing unnecessary trade barriers is essential for achieving sustainable rural development.

Highlighting the significance of Khair cultivation in the region, he noted that many rural households depend on it as a vital source of livelihood. Lifting restrictions on inter-state trade, he said, would not only benefit individual farmers but also contribute to overall economic growth and prosperity in the area. Billawaria assured the delegation that he would take up the matter with the appropriate authorities to ensure a positive resolution in the larger interest of farmers and the farming community.