West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reiterated on Sunday the pledge of her government to farmers on the occasion of paying homage to the martyrs of the Nandigram land movement in 2007. Observed as ‘Krishak Divas’ (Farmers’ Day), it marks a landmark day in Bengal’s political history.
“I salute the martyrs of Nandigram, they will remain symbols of sacrifice in our struggle for land and livelihood,” she wrote on social media platform X. “The government has always been with farmers and will always be with them. We will always be with those who feed the country.”
In West Bengal, Banerjee outlined welfare services for the farmers. Among the list she laid out was the ‘Krishak Bandhu‘ scheme which provides farmers with financial assistance and a death benefit for the state. The state also covers the premium costs of crop insurance through the Bangla Shasya Bima scheme and purchases rice that prevents a distressed sale. She also mentioned the provision of free farming equipment, disaster relief, fleeing victim pension, and the province has established 186 ‘Kishan Mandis’ to help farmers better market their crops.
Banerjee finished the message with a declaration that her “Ma-Mati-Manush” government will always stand up for the farmers’ rights and dignity. “The sweat from their brow enriches our soil — they have earned our promise of a future that offers security and respect,” she remarked.
