[Onthebarricades] Farmers' protests, Aug-Dec 2008

[global resistance roundup]

December

* PAKISTAN: Growers protest urea black market
* INDIA: Tamil Nadu - Farmers protest seed shortage
* INDIA: Kerala - farmers march in Delhi
* INDIA: KPRS protests choice of delegates to China
* INDIA: Tamil Nadu - protest over man-animal conflict, compensation
* INDONESIA: Lombok farmers protest against fertilizer scarcity
* GREECE: Farmers protest milk price
* GREECE: Farmers blockade Bulgarian border
* BULGARIA: Farmers protest in capital, achieve deal
* IRELAND: Pigmeat workers, pig and sheep farmers protest
* CANADA: Ottawa - Farmers clog traffic

November

* BULGARIA: Farmers demand subsidies
* BULGARIA: Tobacco producers to protest in Brussels
* INDIA: Milk poured on road in farm protest
* INDIA: Tamil Nadu - Farmers stage demonstration
* PHILIPPINES: Farmers protest dispersal of protest camp
* PAKISTAN: Rice farmers protest against agents
* INDIA: Tamil Nadu - sugarcane protest; Karnataka - farm crisis 
protest; Tamil Nadu - price rise protest
* INDIA: Rotating sit-in over sugar payments
* PHILIPPINES: Protesting Mindanao farmers storm office
* BULGARIA: Milk protest
* INDIA: Sugar cane protest - farm worker wage protest - land survey 
disrupted
* IRELAND: Farmers protest subsidy cuts


October

* GREECE: Milk dumped in price protest
* INDIA: Karnataka - onion price protest * Tamil Nadu - amenities 
protest * Sugarcane sit-in
* INDONESIA: Farmers burn rice harvest over betrayal
* AUSTRALIA: Farmers target PM over water pipeline

September/August

* PAKISTAN: Police kill grower in shortage protest
* INDIA: AP - fertiliser protest leads to clashes
* INDIA: Farmer protest newsclippings
* INDONESIA: Protests over hybrid rice
* ARGENTINA: Farmer protests resume
* BULGARIA: Milk farmers in mass protest
* BULGARIA: Farmers march in Sofia, storm Council of Ministers
* IRELAND: Farmers protest grain price plan







http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=153347

Khairpur farmers protest urea black-marketing Tuesday, December 23, 2008
By our correspondent

KHAIRPUR: Black-marketing of urea here has compelled the growers to take 
to the streets. There seems to be no writ of the district administration 
as black-market is going on unchecked.

The growers blocked the National Highway as a protest against the 
artificial shortage of urea and its black-market. They alleged that the 
dealers were selling urea at high rates with a profit of Rs 400 to 500 
per bag while the Utility Stores of the government have failed to meet 
the demand.

The growers alleged that in Khairpur and other cities some dealers, with 
the collusion of some Revenue officers and political figures, were 
indulging in profiteering. The growers said the recent spell of rains 
had destroyed 80 per cent of their crops, and the black-market of urea 
and profiteering had compelled them to consider the option of 
self-immolation. They appealed to the chief minister to take notice of 
the situation and provide relief to them.







http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/10/stories/2008121053380300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Erode

Farmers protest against shortage of sunflower seeds
Staff Reporter
________________________________________
The shortage has led traders to sell the seeds at a higher price, they 
complain
________________________________________
ERODE: Farmers affiliated to the Uttukuli unit of the Tamil Nadu 
Vivasayeegal Sangam staged a protest against the shortage of sunflower 
seeds.
A release from S.K. Kolandasamy, union secretary, says farmers in 
Uttukuli, Chengapalli, Kunnathur and neighbouring areas, after preparing 
their lands, were left in the lurch because of the shortage of sunflower 
seeds.
Enquiries with the Government depot in the area and also with private 
traders produced negative results, the release says and adds that the 
shortage resulted in a few private traders selling the seeds at Rs. 600 
a kg.
The release points out that a year ago the very traders sold the seeds 
for Rs. 325 a kg.
Left with no option, the traders protested in front of the agriculture 
extension office.
Assurance
An officer who rushed the spot distributed the seeds to the protesting 
farmers with the assurance that in a few days they would distribute the 
seeds to other farmers as well.
Uttukuli Town Panchayat president R. Kumar, Tamil Nadu Vivasayeegal 
Sangam’s district secretary A.M. Munusamy and others participated in the 
protest, the release says and adds that following the officer’s 
assurances the farmers withdrew the protest.






http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/kerala-farmers-hold-protest-march-in-delhi_100132149.html

Kerala farmers hold protest march in Delhi
December 17th, 2008 - 8:21 pm ICT by ANI -
New Delhi, Dec 17 (ANI): To highlight the issues of farmers and the 
serious crisis faced by the agriculture sector, hoards of farmers from 
Kerala held a protest march here today.
The protest was organised under the aegis of Karshaka Sanghatana Aikya 
Vedi (KSAV).
The prices of agricultural products have reduced sharply, but the over 
all cost of produce has increased, which adds to the farmer’’s woes.
Addressing the mediapersons, P.C. Thomas, Chairman of KSAV, accused the 
government of ignoring the agricultural sector and said the government 
is only helping the industrial and other sectors by providing tax relief 
and other monetary benefits.
The government had announced a stimulus package of Rs 20,000 crores for 
various industries on December 7. (ANI)






http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/01/stories/2009010151030300.htm

Karnataka - Gulbarga

China tour: KPRS protests selection of ‘farmers’
Special Correspondent
Its leaders allege BJP and RSS supporters were sent in the first batch
GULBARGA: The Karnataka Pranta Raitha Sangha (KPRS) on Wednesday 
protested against the “failure” of the State Government to send 
progressive farmers and research scientists to visit China to study the 
advances in agriculture there. It alleged that supporters of the BJP and 
members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh were sent in the guise of 
farmers. The members of KPRS led by its president Megharaj Khatare and 
vice-president Virupakshappa Tadkal staged a day-long dharna outside the 
office of the Joint Director of Agriculture here protesting against the 
nomination of seven “farmers” from the district.
They said the purpose of visiting China could have been achieved if the 
Government had selected farmers who knew their job so that they could 
actually come back and translate their knowledge into action.
The KPRS leaders alleged that instead of doing this, the State 
Government had asked the Agriculture Department to prepare a list of 
farmers from the names recommended by party legislators and leaders of 
the BJP. They said the “farmers” selected from the district did not 
qualify for such trips.
The leaders said the Government was in the process of preparing a second 
list of farmers and urged it to ensure that now genuine candidates were 
sent.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/23/stories/2008122359000300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Farmers plan demonstration
Staff Reporter
Coimbatore: The Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangham has planned to stage a 
demonstration against man-animal conflict in the last week of December.
A resolution to this effect was adopted at the meeting of the sangham 
held here recently which was presided by president of the Sangham M.R. 
Sivasamy.
Crop raid
In a statement, Mr. Sivasamy said that pachyderms in search of food and 
water used to stray into human habitations and indulge in crop raid.
The damage to crops had resulted in agricultural production coming down 
by nearly 30 per cent.
The other demands include quantum of compensation to be fixed at Rs. 
50,000 an acre for crop damage by pachyderms, Rs. 25,000 an acre for 
damage to crops such as vegetable, cereals and grams.
The compensation should be given to the farmers within 15 days of the 
incident. In the event of loss of life owing to man-animal conflict, the 
compensation should be Rs 3 lakh.






http://www.antara.co.id/en/arc/2008/12/24/lombok-farmers-protest-against-fertilizer-scarcity/

12/24/08 14:41
Lombok farmers protest against fertilizer scarcity


Mataram (ANTARA News) - Hundreds of farmers in Lombok, West Nusa 
Tenggara (NTB) staged a protest rally against fertilizer scarcity in 
front of Provincial Legislative Assembly (DPR) building here on Wednesday.

The protesters, grouped in Lombok Farmers Association (Petolak), was led 
by Hasan Masat who made oration at the DPRD building's entry gate amidst 
tight police security.

They tried to force themselves into the building but were blocked by the 
police security officers, and therefore they were only able to make 
orations outside the DPRD building.

In the oration, Hasan Masat said the fertilizer scarcity in West Nusa 
Tenggara, especially in Lombok Tengah district, since October this year 
had made the local farmers restless.

He said Lombok Tengah district with 45,000 hectares of agriculture land 
was in a desperate need of 13,500 tons of urea, 7,000 tons of SP.36, 
and  4,500 tons of Kcl fertilizer but the distribution to the district 
was only 25 percent of their total demand.

Therefore, the farmers urged the local governor, district head, and 
mayor to immediately take a necessary step to overcome the fertilizer 
shortage in the district. (*)








http://www.nowpublic.com/world/greek-farmers-protest-low-milk-prices-handing-out-free-dairy-products

Greek farmers protest low milk prices by handing out free dairy products

uploaded by Teacher Dude December 3, 2008 at 04:35 am
64 views | add comment | 0 recommendations

Dairy farmers across Greece are demonstrating against low prices paid 
for milk by handing out free yoghurt and cheese in the northern city of 
Thessaloniki. The symbolic protest was aimed at making consumers aware 
of the fact that whilst prices paid to producers have been dropping for 
years the cost of milk and cheese in Greek supermarkets has risen 
steadily making them are them some of the most expensive in in the 
Europe Union.
In 2006 the Greek dairy industry was engulfed in scandal when 
allegations of a price fixing cartel hit the headlines. The case came to 
light when the director of the state competition commision, Panayiotis 
Adamopoulos, along with two other officials were arrested and charged 
with demanding a 2.5 million euro bribe from the Mevgal dairy company in 
return for dropping a 25 million euro fine for price fixing.
Farmers are expected to continue their protests today with a blockade of 
major roads in the central Thessally region, effectively cutting Greece 
in two.






http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=100040

Protesting Greek Farmers Lift Blockade of Border Check Point with Bulgaria
Society | December 23, 2008, Tuesday
Greek authorities have reported that protesting farmers who blocked 
Monday the E79 international road near the Promahon border check point 
with Bulgaria have lifted the blockade.

Currently, the situation at the Bulgarian-Greek border is normal and 
vehicles freely pass through the Kulata-Promahon checkpoint, border 
services said.

It is unknown whether the protest is to be renewed. Many drivers prefer 
to enter Greece through the Ilinden border checkpoint or through Macedonia.







http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=100019

Protesting Greek Farmers Block Border Check Point with Bulgaria
Society | December 22, 2008, Monday
Greek authorities have reported that protesting farmers blocked Monday 
the E79 international road near the Promahon border check point with 
Bulgaria.

Currently no vehicles are passing the border through the checkpoint, as 
protesters said only trucks transporting live stock and vehicles 
carrying people in need of medical help will be let through.

It is unknown when the protest of the Greek farmers will end and 
Bulgarian police advice travelers to use the Ilinden border checkpoint 
between the countries.







http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_economy_0_16/12/2008_103041

Farmers put forth demands, increase protests


EUROKINISSI
Farmers head down a national highway in Larissa, central Greece, as they 
increase protest action against the government over financial demands. 
About 250 tractors took part in the protest demonstration, which ended 
peacefully a few hours later without any traffic disruptions. Farmers 
are calling on the government to freeze their financial obligations 
toward ATEbank (the former Agricultural Bank) for the next three years 
and help to reduce their production costs, in a bid to help them offset 
the rising price of doing business. Other requests put forth include 
providing support to the cotton and dairy sectors that are facing 
difficulties and offering tax breaks, according to a statement issued 
yesterday. They were joined by peers in others parts of the country, 
such as Serres, northern Greece. Farmers are expected to meet again 
today to decide their next protest plan.
(December 16)










http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=99978

Protesting Grain Producers Pull out of Sofia
Society | December 20, 2008, Saturday

Hundreds grain producers left Sofia Saturday morning with their tractors 
after successfully blockading downtown Sofia on Friday, and reaching an 
angreement with the government. Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo 
Agency)
Hundreds of grain producers from all across Bulgaria left Sofia Saturday 
morning with their tractors after their protest on Friday led to an 
agreement with the government.

After blocking downtown Sofia with several hundred tractors, the farmers 
got the cabinet to agree to draft a bill for national subsidies for the 
grain production of BGN 150 M in 2009. The originally demanded sum was 
BGN 378 M.

The agreement between the farmers and the government was formally signed 
by the Chair of the National Grain Producers' Association Radoslav 
Hristov and the Deputy Agriculture Minister Byurhan Abazov, in the 
presence of the Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev.

"We set the beginning of talks with the Prime Minister Stanishev for 
solving the problems of grain production in Bulgaria, which is important 
for all", Hristov said.

The payment of BGN 100 M of the national subsidies for grain production 
for 2008, and of BGN 150 M of direct EU subsidies has already started.

The government and the farmers also agreed that a special roundtable for 
the problems of Bulgaria's agriculture would be organized in January 2009.






http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=99977

Protesting Bulgarian Grain Producers Reach Agreement with Government
Society | December 19, 2008, Friday

Protesting Bulgarian grain producers blocked downtown Sofia on Friday 
with their tractors. Photo by Nadya Kotseva (Sofia Photo Agency)
Protesting Bulgarian grain producers have reached an agreement with the 
government as the Agriculture Ministry promised them to provide BGN 150 
M in subsidies.

The farmers, who demanded the government to envisage BGN 378 M in 
subsidies needed by grain producers from budget 2009, declared they are 
satisfied with the agreement and added they are moving their tractors 
away from the capital city.

On Friday hundreds of protesters from all across the country entered 
Sofia with their tractors which caused unbelievable chaos in traffic.

The farmers' protest was joined by students and environmentalist, who 
staged separate rallies over government's inability to solve harsh 
social and eco problems.






http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=99950

More than 300 Tractors to Cause Chaos in Sofia during Farmers' Protest
Society | December 19, 2008, Friday
Hundreds of Bulgarian farmers from all across the country are to enter 
Sofia with their tractors which is to disturb the traffic in the capital 
city on Friday.

The grain producers are to stage yet another protest against the 
government policy in the sector after they blocked major roads on the 
past few days with their agriculture machines.

The farmers demand immediate payment of delayed national subsidies as 
well as the government to envisage BGN 378 M in subsidies needed by 
grain producers from budget 2009.

Bulgaria's grain producers already gathered on the central streets of 
Sofia in support of these demands in September, and by blocking roads 
across the country in November.






http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=99926

Bulgaria Grain Producers Stage More Protests
Society | December 18, 2008, Thursday

Bulgarian grain producers blocked Wednesday the road Sofia-Ruse, 
protesting against the government policy in the sector and delayed 
subsidies. Photo by Darik News
Bulgarian grain producers are to stage Thursday new protests against the 
government policy in the sector after they blocked major roads on 
Wednesday with their tractors.

The farmers demand immediate payment of delayed national subsidies as 
well as the government to envisage BGN 378 M in subsidies needed by 
grain producers from budget 2009.

Bulgaria's grain producers already staged protests in support of these 
demands with a rally in downtown Sofia in September, and by blocking 
roads across the country in November.






http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=100103

Bulgaria's Farmers Brace for Renewed Protests after New Year's
Business | December 29, 2008, Monday

After they clashed with the police in October 2008, Bulgaria's milk 
producers are preparing to stage new protests in January 2009 over their 
demands for additional national subsidies. Photo by Yuliana Nikolova 
(Sofia Photo Agency)
The Chair of the Association of Bulgarian Milk Producers Adrian 
Tsakonski announced Monday the farmers were going to renew their 
intermittent protests after New Year's over their demanded subsidies.

In his words, the approved 2009 Budget did not include the BGN 210 M of 
subsidies per head of cattle and per liter of produced milk.

Tsakonski pointed out the Budget included only BGN 61 M for the 
Bulgarian farmers. He added they demanded additional BGN 100 M for the 
setting up of manure repositories in accordance with a new EU directive.

Tsakonski made these statements during a meeting of the associations of 
Bulgarian agricultural producers with the Minister of Agriculture Valeri 
Tzvetanov.

The Minister retorted the only way the Bulgarian farmers could receive 
additional funding was through the launch of a cattle identification 
system through which they would be able to get EU subsidies per each 
head of cattle.

During the meeting, Tzvetanov also said Bulgaria's animal breeding and 
selection were in complete disarray, and that the country was far behind 
the EU standards in this respect.

"Part of the issue has to do with the inappropriate absorption of 
national funding, the inadequate channeling of funds, and the blocked 
activities of certain association. The situation amounts to complete 
chaos. The breeds that we have created after so many years of hard work, 
and massive investments, are out of balance, and there are great risks 
for them", the Minister concluded.






http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=99866

Bulgaria's Grain Producers Start All-out Protests
Business | December 16, 2008, Tuesday

Bulgaria's grain producers have already protested with demands for 
national subsidies. Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo Agency)
Bulgaria's grain producers have begun Tuesday full-fledged protests 
across the country in support of their demands for immediate payment of 
national subsidies.

All 18 regional units of Bulgaria's National Grain Producers' 
Association have taken part in Tuesday's protests, and over 2 000 
agricultural vehicles have been used in the protests, according to the 
Association's Chair Radoslav Hristov.

The farmers demanded that they received immediate the additional 
national subsidies of BGN 22 per decare of arable land for 2008. They 
demanded that the government fulfill its promise to envisage BGN 378 M 
for national subsidies in the 2009 Budget.

The demanded BGN 378 M would come in addition to the EU subsidies, and 
should be used for all agricultural sectors not only for the grain 
producers, according to Hristov.

Bulgaria's grain producers already staged protests in support of these 
demands with a rally in downtown Sofia in September, and by blocking 
roads across the country in November.

The grain producers have also complained that they were selling this 
year's wheat for BGN 0,18-0,20 per kg whereas the actual price should be 
BGN 0,30 per kg. They vowed to continue staging protests until their 
demands were finally met.






http://international.ibox.bg/news/id_515276553

Grain producers protest again
Updated on: 15.12.2008, 10:39
Published on: 15.12.2008, 10:34
Author: Stefan Nikolov
Font size: a a a
Grain-producers will protest again.
This was announced by Radoslav Hristov - Chair of the National 
association of grain producers, BNR reported.
He explained that farmers have been cheated again by the authorities and 
the demanded 378 million levs have not been planned in Budget 2009.
Hristov said that the information that deputies Rumen Ovcharov, Milen 
Velchev and Yordan Tzonev have submitted a proposal in the parliament 
for the provision of 211 million levs for grain production is a lie.








http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/1211/1228864662758.html

Thursday, December 11, 2008
Workers to protest outside Leinster House today
Siptu is organising the demonstration because of delays in resuming 
production. Photograph: Daragh Mac Sweeney/Provision
MARTIN WALL, Industry Correspondent
INDUSTRY PROTEST: WORKERS IN the pigmeat industry who have been laid off 
as a result of the health scare surrounding pork are to hold a lunchtime 
protest at Leinster House today.
The union Siptu said it was organising the demonstration because of 
delays in resuming production. It said many workers were in "dire 
straits" financially as a result of the continuing suspension of 
production in factories around the State.
The union also said some workers affected by the halting of production 
were unable to claim social welfare payments.
Siptu said members from plants in Edenderry, Waterford and Kilkenny were 
among those due to attend the protest.
The union said about 1,800 of its members in the pigmeat industry had 
been laid off as a result of the controversy surrounding pork products.
It also said that when non-union members were taken into account the 
number of workers affected by the suspension of production was more than 
2,000.
Production has been halted as talks between producers and the Government 
over a compensation package continued without agreement.
Siptu national industry secretary Gerry McCormack said while the union 
appreciated that consumers, farmers and processors had legitimate 
concerns, it believed workers were facing "the most immediate and 
drastic consequences of the current crisis".
He said Siptu was also inviting workers in non-union plants - who he 
said had no voice in the current crisis - to join the protest at 
Leinster House.
Siptu official Frank Jones, who represents workers at Offaly-based 
Rosderra Meats, said the union had decided to take the protest to the 
Dáil as it was ultimately the Government that had to sort out the problem.
"Many of our members are in dire straits, some of them are unable to 
claim social welfare benefits and all are facing into a very dismal 
Christmas," he said.
This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times





http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1210/pork.html

Farmers protest over pork delays
The Irish Farmers' Association's pigs committee is demonstrating over 
the delay in resuming pig slaughtering following the recall of pork 
products.
Pig meat producers are demanding the immediate reopening of the country 
processing plants and they said the closures are costing farmers €1m per 
day.
Around 100 producers have begun a protest outside the Department of 
Agriculture this afternoon.
Talks involving the Taoiseach, the Minister of Agriculture, and pigmeat 
processors adjourned at the Department of Agriculture overnight, but 
resumed this morning.
Processors have been demanding a multi-million euro package from the 
Government to assist them with the recall of pork products and with the 
storage of pig carcasses once processing resumes.
The Government is understood to be putting pressure on the banks that 
back major pork processors to be more flexible in their approach.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen referred to those who back the pigmeat plants 
having a role in getting them back into production in the Dáil this morning.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, IFA pigs committee chairman Tim 
Cullinan said farmers wanted processing plants to be reopened as soon as 
possible.





http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/mhidsngbeyid/rss2/

IFA halts Dublin sheep protest
Print Email+ Share+
08/12/2008 - 15:14:09
The Irish Farmers Association has lifted the sheep protest outside the 
Department of Agriculture to allow the Agriculture Minister to 
concentrate on the pork crisis.

Farmers have been protesting for twelve days demanding Brendan Smith to 
pay the unused Common Agricultural Policy Single Payment funds, secured 
in the Health Check, to sheep farmers.

IFA National Sheep Chairman Henry Burns says the problems in the sheep 
sector have not gone away.






http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2008/12/08/7670166-cp.html

Farmers clog traffic in anti-coalition protest
By THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA - A protest by farmers against the Liberal-NDP coalition on 
Parliament Hill appears to have fizzled out.
Fewer than a dozen tractors and other machines clogged traffic for a few 
hours in front of the Parliament Buildings before they left about 
mid-morning. Convoys with more tractors were reportedly converging on 
the Hill but they never arrived.
The protest was organized by the Ontario Landowners Association, which 
represents farmers, business people and other rural landowners.
The group said they opposed the coalition formed last week between the 
Liberals and NDP with support from the Bloc Quebecois.
Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean suspended Parliament last week before the 
coalition could vote down Stephen Harper's minority Conservative 
government; MPs are to return Jan. 26 and a budget - over which the 
government could fall - is scheduled for the next day.






http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2008/12/08/ot-081208.html?ref=rss

Tractors block traffic in Ottawa in coalition protest
Last Updated: Monday, December 8, 2008
Convoys of farm machinery slowed traffic into downtown Ottawa and in 
front of Parliament Hill during Monday's morning rush as part of a 
protest against the prospect of a Liberal-NDP coalition government.
Before Parliament was suspended by the Governor General last week, the 
Liberals and the NDP said Prime Minister Stephen Harper had lost the 
confidence of the House of Commons and proposed to form a coalition to 
replace his Conservative government .
As of 8:30 a.m. Monday, tractors were blocking a lane of traffic on 
Wellington Street between Metcalfe and O'Connor streets after trundling 
in from the city's east and west ends.
The event was organized by the Ontario Landowners Association, which 
represents farmers, business owners and other rural landowners.
Demonstrators were unswayed by frigid temperatures that made it hard to 
start their machines or by the fact that a coalition has no prospect of 
taking power for at least the next month and a half since Parliament has 
been suspended until Jan. 26.
Nevertheless, Jamie MacMaster, director of the landowners association 
and one of the protest organizers, was still concerned about the 
possibility of a coalition. Such a coalition, which was to be led by 
Liberal leader Stéphane Dion, would have to be backed by the Bloc 
Québécois, MacMaster said, which would make Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe 
the de facto leader of the coalition.
"Nobody that I know of in rural Ontario … voted for any kind of 
coalition," he said. "And I can take it a step further and say nobody 
certainly voted for a coalition that's going to have a separatist at the 
helm."
The Liberals and NDP have stressed that the Bloc would not be part of 
the ruling coalition but would simply provide support on some key votes.
MacMaster added that he thinks the suspension of Parliament was a waste 
of money.
Ian Cumming, a dairy farmer from Williamstown in Glengarry county who 
joined the protest, said he understands that the possibility of a 
coalition government "might have merit" legally but isn't appropriate 
for a time of crisis.
"So what's being done here is just foolish and childish and downright 
dangerous, actually," he said.
Last week, Governor General Michaëlle Jean granted Harper's request to 
suspend Parliament until the release of the federal budget at the end of 
January. The opposition will have no chance to bring down the current 
government until then.
In the meantime, the Liberals are expected to choose a new leader and 
the fate of the coalition is uncertain.







http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/11/07/Grain_subsidies_focus_of_Bulgarian_protest/UPI-61301226084780/

Grain subsidies focus of Bulgarian protest
Published: Nov. 7, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Order reprints | Feedback
SOFIA, Bulgaria, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Grain producers in Bulgaria say they 
conducted a protest Friday in the capital of Sofia over what they 
perceive to be insufficient subsidies.
The protesters allege they have yet to receive $3.26 per 1,000 square 
meters of grain that was supposed to be added to nearly $11 per 1,000 
square meters in subsidies, the Sofia News Agency said Friday.
The subsidy payments came from 2008 funds provided by the European 
Union, the news agency said.
The grain producers also accuse officials of not adding additional $5.86 
payments per 1,000 square meters into the 2009 budget.
With the alleged failure of the Bulgarian government to meet the 
promises, the protesters called for the resignation of Agriculture 
Minister Valeri Tsvetanov.
The news agency said the protest in Sofia came one day after grain 
producers throughout the republic took part in rallies to call for 
increased state subsidies.










http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=98652

Bulgarian Grain Producers Stage Protest Rally in Sofia
7 November 2008, Friday


Bulgarian grain producers protested Friday in Sofia over insufficient 
subsidies. Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo Agency)
| buy photo |

Bulgaria's grain producers have staged a protest in the capital city of 
Sofia on Friday, a day after they rallied in regions all across the 
country over the lack of state subsidies for their production.

The protesters said they have not received BGN 5 extra payment per 
decare, added to the subsidies of BGN 16,78 coming from the EU funds for 
2008.

They claim also that previously demanded extra payments of BGN 9 have 
not been included in the 2009 budget.

According to farmers, the agriculture policy of the government dooms 
them to bankruptcy.

They have even demanded the resignation of the Agriculture Minister 
Valeri Tsvetanov claiming he failed to keep his recent promises.

The protest of the farmers in the town of Stara Zagora ended with the 
arrest of the National Grain Producers' Association, Krassimir Avramov.

He was detained as more than 150 heavy tractors had crawled and blocked 
the road to Dimitrovgrad although no permission for such protest actions 
had been issued.






http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=98665

Bulgaria Govt to Meet with Protesting Grain Producers Monday
7 November 2008, Friday


Over 200 Bulgarian grain producers protested before the Parliament 
building in Sofia demanding hundreds of millions of BGN for national 
subsidies for the sector. Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo Agency)
| buy photo |

The Bulgarian authorities are going to hold a special meeting on Monday 
with the representatives of the grain producers, who protested in 
downtown Sofia Friday, in order to discuss their issues.

The news was announced Friday afternoon by the Chair of the Bulgarian 
Parliament Georgi Pirinski after his meeting with some of the protestors.

The Bulgarian grain producers demand that the state should allocate BGN 
378 M in the 2009 budget for national subsidies in addition to the EU 
subsidies. They have not received yet the national subsidies for 2008, 
which amount to BGN 147 M.

They are also unhappy with the low grain prices on the market, and 
insist that the government intervene to regulate the market.

The Minister of Agriculture and Foods Valeri Tzvetanov stated in 
response to the protests that he already tabled to the Parliament the 
bills for the allocation of the BGN 147 M of the national subsidies for 
2008, and of the BGN 378 M for 2009.

Monday's meeting is expected to clarify the specific terms of payment of 
the national subsidies, and to figure out measures to guarantee the 
funds will not be abused.






http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/farmers-protest-in-sofia/id_32844/catid_66

Farmers protest in Sofia
11:44 Fri 07 Nov 2008 - Nick Iliev

Farmers and wheat producers have travelled to Sofia today, November 7, 
for the second day running for a rally by the association of farmers in 
Bulgaria. The demonstrators are gathering in front of Alexander Nevski 
Cathedral in central Sofia. Farmers are complaining about the recent cut 
in subsidies in next year's projected budget.

Farmers claim that this is unlawful, discriminatory and exclusive to 
Bulgaria. They also claim that the government is taking absolutely no 
measures whatsoever to defend them and their produce from foreign 
imports. They demand that the government should allocate them the sum of 
380 million leva to be distributed to local farming unions. The farmers 
decided to take action in light of the government's reluctance to award 
them the sum and the delay in conducting negotiations.

Yesterday, reinforcements from across the country converged on Sofia. 
Hundreds of farmers from north, central, south and eastern Bulgaria left 
their farms and took to the road. They congregated at major inter-city 
junctions, raised barricades and blocked the roads and traffic. Angry 
farmers from Bratsa, Plovdiv, Haskovo, Stara Zagora, Bourgas and Veliko 
Tarnovo mobilised and paralysed traffic in their local regions for some 
time in a simultaneous action that sprung up across the country, 
orchestrated like a military operation. In Stara Zagora, the leader of 
the farming union. Krassimir Avramov, was arrested.

There is a possibility that traffic will be subject to delays and 
diversions following the expected rally today in central Sofia.






http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/240389,protesting-bulgarian-farmers-block-highways.html

Protesting Bulgarian farmers block highways
Posted : Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:48:13 GMT
Author : DPA
Category : World

News Alerts by Email click here )


Sofia - Some 3,000 Bulgarian farmers on Thursday blocked several key 
highways in protest against the government's agricultural policy, the 
national radio said. Grain producers, joining the months-long protest of 
dairy farmers, are demanding subsidies which they claim the state owes 
them and are demanding more money than what is planned in the 2009 draft 
budget.
They also are demanding the resignation of Agriculture Minister Valeriy 
Cvetanov, saying he did not meet promises he made.
Farmers brought out dozens of combines, tractors and trucks to block the 
main norht-south corridor, as well as downtown Burgas on the Black Sea 
coast.
Police detained the farmers union leader, Krasimir Avramov, at the scene 
of one of the blockades Thursday, but protesters plan to block Sofia on 
Friday.
Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007 to become the poorest 
member-state. Much of its industry and agriculture still has a hard time 
adapting to the fierce competitiveness within the 27-nation bloc.








http://international.ibox.bg/news/id_77053190

Bulgarian tobacco producers to protest in Brussels
Updated on: 17.11.2008, 11:37
Published on: 17.11.2008, 11:34
Author: Olga Yoncheva
Font size: a a a
Tobacco producers from the region of the Bulgarian town of Silistra will 
protest on Wednesday in front of the European parliament in Brussels 
together with their colleagues from eight European states. This 
announced the chairman of the Union of the tobacco producers in the 
village of Listez Fikret Bekir. According to him the protest is 
organized by the World tobacco producers association.

Altogether hundred Bulgarians have departed today for the European 
capital. They are carrying Bulgarian flags and boards with appeals to 
the EU to prolong the term for subsidizing the tobacco production until 
2013. Otherwise the production will be directed to the Asian markets.
According to data from the Regional department “Tobacco” - Isperih there 
are over 6000 tobacco producers in Northeast Bulgaria.






http://international.ibox.bg/news/id_1288165805

Tobacco producers ready for new protests
Updated on: 21.11.2008, 10:32
Published on: 21.11.2008, 10:18
Author: Stefan Nikolov
Font size: a a a
Tobacco producers might protest again in Brussels, if their European 
subsidies are suspended.
They are ready to protest in the country as well, the mayor of Satovcha 
Arben Mimenov announced, cited by BNR.
"An extreme measure is protest actions, so that we are more strongly 
motivated. After all Bulgaria was given 3 years after the EU accession 
on the premiums design, as was the case before," Mimenov pointed out.
Bulgarian protests might be concentrated in one place, in one 
municipality, or be spread in strategic locations in different 
municipalities, Stovcha's mayor explained, specifying, that there is 
still no definitive decision of the format of the protests.








http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/22/stories/2008112251540300.htm

Other States - Orissa

Milk producers stage novel demonstration
Correspondent
Supply snapped to consumers, token strike observed demanding price hike
________________________________________
100 cans of milk poured on the road
Memorandum submitted to Collector
________________________________________
CUTTACK: Scarcity of milk and milk products was witnessed in Cuttack 
city on Friday as district milk producers snapped the supply observing a 
day of token strike demanding increase of prices of their produce. 
Instead, the road in front of the district Collector’s office was 
flooded with milk as milk producers claim they poured over 10,000 litres 
of milk on the road.
“We did it to draw home the point that the milk producers of the State 
are in dire strait and if the government does not look into our demands 
favourably we would be forced to snap the supply of milk in the city 
indefinitely”, threatened the Utkal Jadhav Mahasabha president Subash 
Behera.
Earlier in the day over 2,000 milk producers of the district came in a 
rally from College Square and demonstrated in front of the Collector’s 
office.
Before submitting a memorandum to the Collector, the agitators poured 
nearly 100 cans of milk on the road as mark of their protest against the 
State government’s recent decision to stay the increase of Omfed milk 
price.
“Exploitation attitude”
Milkmen across the State are demanding hike in prices of their products 
in view of rising cost of fodders and cattle feed.
The milkmen are aggrieved over what they call “exploitation attitude” of 
Omfed and the State government’s nonchalant approach towards the plight 
of milk producers.
While over 62 lakh milk producers are in the State, about 2,000 of them 
supply milk in Cuttack city.
The milkmen are demanding that Omfed should pay them Rs. 18 per litre 
instead of Rs. 11.80 given at present. Omfed had recently increased its 
retail price to Rs. 24 from Rs. 20 promising to pay the entire increased 
amount to farmers.
Price hike stayed
But the State government stayed the price hike in view of State-wide 
agitation against the move.
The State government’s decision has irked the milk producers most.
Speaking on the logic behind destroying such a large quantity of milk 
when the customers across the city suffered, the agitators claimed that 
they have distributed milk to poor people in slum areas free of cost 
while a chunk of their produce was poured on the road.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/11/stories/2008111158030600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur

Farmers stage demonstration
Special Correspondent
— Photo: M. Srinath

Seeking attention: Farmers staging a demonstration in Thanjavur on Monday.
THANJAVUR: Members of Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam and Sugarcane 
Producers Association staged a demonstration here on Monday demanding 
payment of Rs. 1,550 per tonne for sugarcane and Rs. 1,000 per quintal 
for paddy.
K. Sambandam, President of the Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam and S. 
Ramanathan, President of Sugarcane Producers Association participated in 
the agitation.








http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20081125-174323/Farmers-protest-dispersal-at-DENR-office

Farmers protest dispersal at DENR office
By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:44:00 11/25/2008

Filed Under: Protest, Agrarian Reform
MANILA, Philippines -- Farmers from Bukidnon province denounced on 
Tuesday the violent dispersal of their protest camp-out in front of the 
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office in 
Quezon City, which led to injuries to four persons.
In a statement, the peasant federation Task Force Mapalad (TFM) said 
security personnel of the DENR tried to eject around 17 farmers from the 
camp at around 5 a.m. Tuesday.
A minor scuffle ensued, resulting in injuries to Ruel Panuga, 34; Lizel 
Amunhay, 37; Jonelyn Olegado, 44; and Eduardo Oracion, 28 who suffered 
cuts and bruises from alleged clubbing, the organization said.
TFM president Jose Rodito Angeles called the dispersal “a treacherous 
act conducted while the farmers were asleep, and while there were 
scheduled negotiations with DENR Undersecretary Manuel Gerochi.”
“The dispersal shows the inability of the DENR to address the concerns 
of the farmers. Unfortunately, this reflects on the leadership of 
Secretary [Jose] Lito Atienza,” Angeles added.
When asked to comment on Tuesday, Gerochi said he had yet to get a 
definitive picture of what really happened in the dispersal.
“The incident is really unfortunate. There seems to be a 
misunderstanding on both our sides,” Gerochi told the Philippine Daily 
Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net). He also assured the farmers 
that he was investigating the dispersal.
The farmers have camped outside the DENR offices to dramatize their 
demand for a community-based forest management (CBFM) in three areas in 
Maramag, Bukidnon.
These are the Villalon Ranch located in Barangay (villages) Panalsalan 
and Dagumbaan; the Baclig/Allan Uy ranch located in the village of 
Panalsalan; and the Ocaya Ranch located in the villages of Cuya and 
Danggawan.
CBFM allows members of local communities to undertake sustainable 
forestry programs in their areas.
TFM said the applications of the farmers covering the three areas used 
to be pasture leases that were either cancelled or expired.
Oscar Maniego, chairman of the TFM-affiliated Alyansa Bukidnon, denied 
claims they were blocking the DENR gates, saying they were camped out to 
the left of the gate and were not obstructing the movement of people or 
vehicles into and from the agency’s offices.
He also added that Gerochi was having a hard time answering issues 
raised by the group in the processing of their CBFM applications.
But Gerochi said the DENR has been working to address the issue. “We 
want to give due process for all parties and resolve this matter at the 
soonest possible time.”
The farmers already wrote Environment Secretary Lito Atienza to 
immediately deny the application of Villalon Ranch for renewal of its 
forest land grazing lease agreement, (FLGLA), which expired 11 years ago.
The farmers also said they would press on with mass actions in front of 
the DENR office and dialogues with officials to resolve the matter.








http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Rice-farmers-in-Pakistan-protest-12576-3-1.html

Rice farmers in Pakistan protest
2008-11-05 16:25:00
Rice farmers in Pakistan's Baddi district staged a protest against 
commission agents of the grain market for purchasing their best quality 
rice at awfully low prices.

The growers complained that owners of rice mills and commission agents 
had monopolized the trade by either taking their crops at low rates or 
refusing to make deals, saying the local rice market had not been able 
to find buyers in international market and hence they could not risk to 
buy the paddy crop at higher prices.

As the financial strength of farmers does not permit them to store the 
rice till the traders agreed to buy the commodity against good rates, 
they find no way out but to surrender before the monopolists. Rice 
growers are also frustrated at finding extremely low rates of their crop 
due to the monopoly of rice mill owners and traders in the area.







http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=144531

Rice growers protest against commission agents, traders Monday, November 
03, 2008
By our correspondent

BADIN: Paddy crop growers on Sunday staged a protest against commission 
agents of the grain market for purchasing their best quality rice at 
awfully low prices.

The farmers and cultivators blocked the general bus stop of Hyderabad 
city, suspending vehicular traffic at the Badin-Hyderabad Road for more 
than two hours, causing a great deal of inconvenience to commuters.

The growers complained that owners of rice mills and commission agents 
had monopolised the trade by either taking their crops at low rates or 
refusing to make deals, saying the local rice market had not been able 
to find buyers in international market and hence they could not risk to 
buy the paddy crop at higher prices.

However, the rice growers said that as they had already suffered a huge 
loss on costs of seed,

fertilisers and tractors as well as labour charges, they could not sell 
their crops at the present rates.

They parked their rice laden tractor trolleys at the main road and set 
tyres on fire. They demanded immediate government interference to save 
them from imminent losses due to the monopoly created by rice traders 
and commission agents and also requested authorities concerned to fix 
government rates so that no one could compel them to sell their crops at 
low prices.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/22/stories/2008112252470300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Vellore

Ryots stage protest
Special Correspondent
VELLORE: Sugarcane farmers belonging to the Vellore Cooperative Sugar 
Mills Sugarcane Producers’ Association staged a demonstration under the 
presidentship of K. Kanniah Naidu, president of the association, in 
front of the sugar mills in Ammundi near Tiruvalam on Friday .
The farmers demanded that the government bear the cost of cutting as 
done in other States, and that Tamil Nadu government should pay Rs. 
2,000 a tonne for sugarcane supplied to the mills.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/04/stories/2008110457600300.htm

Karnataka - Mysore

Protest staged to highlight crisis in farm sector
Special Correspondent
________________________________________
‘Over 1.5 lakh farmers have committed suicide in the country between 
1997 and 2005’
Demand to fix procurement price of sugarcane at Rs. 1,750 a tonne
________________________________________
MYSORE: Farmers under the aegis of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh staged a 
demonstration in the city on Monday to highlight the “growing crisis in 
the agricultural sector and the exploitation of the farming community”.
The farmers lamented that rich people and multinational companies were 
buying up agricultural land facilitated by the Government’s liberal 
economic policies.
Underlining the growing crisis in the agricultural sector, sangha 
activists quoted statistics from the National Crime Bureau that over 1.5 
lakh farmers had committed suicide in the country between 1997 and 2005.
Criticised
Pointing out the disparity in prices and wages in the agricultural 
sector compared to the non-agricultural sector, the sangha criticised 
the Government for its “lopsided economic policies that are creating a 
wedge between the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors”.
Drawing attention to the subsidy earmarked in the Union Budget for 
fertilizer units during the current financial year, the sangha members 
pointed out that instead the Government could have promoted organic and 
natural farming.
Declined
The farmers made light of the Government’s loan waiver scheme amounting 
to Rs. 60,000 crore and said the budgetary allocation to the 
agricultural sector had declined over the years. From a budgetary 
allocation of 27 per cent of the GDP, the allocation for agriculture has 
shrunk to less than 6 per cent of the GDP, according to the sangha members.
Other demands included fixing procurement price of sugarcane at Rs. 
1,750 a tonne, compulsory crop insurance scheme to cover all farmers and 
repair of irrigation canals.
The farmers urged the Government to remove silt from tanks and other 
water bodies and release water to fill tanks in the tail-end region of 
the Cauvery basin areas.
They also called for regulation of financial institutions, which were 
reluctant to extend loans to farmers but were keen to offer tractor 
loans through tie-ups with companies. This had pushed many farmers into 
debt and, hence, the Government should crack down on this menace, said 
the sangha.
The farmers also demanded market price for land acquired for conversion 
to industrial and non-agricultural purposes and sought action against 
Revenue Department officials for their alleged complicity in harassing 
farmers.
The sangha also urged the Government to establish a network of marts so 
that farmers could directly sell their produce to the public.







http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/19/stories/2008111950820200.htm

Nov 19 2008

Tamil Nadu - Nagapattinam

CPI holds protest against price rise
Special Correspondent
________________________________________
The government should ban online trading and institute mechanisms to 
protect the poor
________________________________________
NAGAPATTINAM: CPI volunteers staged a protest against the price rise in 
front of the tahsildar office here on Tuesday.
The protest was led by ex-MP M. Selvaraj and DYFI district secretary 
Selvam.
Later, speaking to presspersons, Mr. Selvaraj said that the price rise 
had been caused by the inept handling of the economy by the Central 
government. To ensure that common man did not suffer, the government 
should ban online trading and institute mechanisms to protect the poor.
In the delta region and the tail-end in particular, farmers should be 
protected by ensuring proper water supply. He said that the farmers’ and 
the agricultural labourers’ organisations of the CPI would stage road 
rook agitations at 100 places in the district on November 25, coinciding 
with the bandh already announced by the party for the cause of the Sri 
Lankan Tamils.
He also said that the government should increase the procurement price 
of paddy to Rs.1,200 per quintal and reduce indirect subsidies which 
benefit only fertiliser and seed companies. The government should also 
reduce the price of petroleum products reflecting the reduction in 
international crude oil prices.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/21/stories/2008112153520300.htm

Tamil Nadu

PMK stages protest
SIRKAZHI: Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) volunteers led by Nagapattinam 
(North) district secretary Agoran staged a protest in front of the RDO 
office here on Thursday asking for an increase in the procurement price 
for sugarcane.





http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20081126/punjab1.htm

Farmers hold protest against Punjab govt, Sugarfed
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 25
Members of Bhartiya Kisan Union, Punjab (BKUP) staged an indefinite 
protest near Parade ground here today, demanding release of arrears of 
Rs 37 crore from Sugarfed.
Balbir Singh Rajewal, president of the BKUP, stated that 50 persons 
would sit on protest everyday, which would continue till their demands 
are met. He said the sugar mills in the states were not giving payments 
on time to farmers and Rs 37 crore was pending against them since the 
past one year. As per the rules, the mills should make payment to the 
farmers within 14 days of their delivering the crop at the mill. He said 
the government should fix time for payments. He also added that he did 
meet the Punjab Chief Minister and spoke on the issue, but the latter 
did not make any assurance.
Besides this, the protesting farmers were insisting for immediate 
release of tube well connections to the general-category farmers. They 
alleged that the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) was fleecing the 
farmers on one pretext or the other. They rued that the Akali-BJP 
alliance in the state had not redeemed its poll promises and left the 
farmer community in lurch.
The members of the union also said they were being harassed by sand 
mafia in the villages situated on the banks of rivers. Those who had 
taken the contracts, did not allow farmers to quarry sand from their own 
fields and charged Rs 3,100 from them.







http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2008/11/02/news/protesting.farmers.to.meet.with.atienza.html

Sunday, November 02, 2008
Protesting farmers to meet with Atienza
By Cong B. Corrales

A GLIMMER of hope emerged from the three-hour closed door dialogue 
between Nicanor Peralta, agrarian reform director of operations (Ardo) 
of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Northern Mindanao, and 
leaders of the farmer-beneficiaries from Bukidnon who stormed the DAR 
office last Wednesday.

In an interview with Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro, Peralta said they have 
faxed their central office regarding the protesting farmers’ plight.

What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers

The DAR regional office is urging Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser 
Pangandaman to bring to the attention of Department of Environment and 
Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza the issues raised by the 
umbrella organization Task Force Mapalad (TFM), which is speaking in 
behalf of the farmers.

"Kailangan man gud nga ma-cancel sa DENR ang sales patent nila Fortich 
before ma-approve ang survey plan, after that I believe tuloy-tuloy na 
dayon na. Nadelantar lang gyud na sa DENR-10," Peralta said.

The fax message addressed to Pangandaman through Undersecretary Rene 
Herrera stated in part: "The Regional Office is currently covering the 
following Fortich Properties; Carlitos Fortich and Maria Theresa Fortich 
located at Dabong-dabong, Mailag, Valencia, Bukidnon. Coverage of the 
said properties has been 'de facto' suspended due to the fact that part 
of the requirement of the DENR for the approval of the surveys of the 
above lands is the cancellation of their public land application."

"The DENR, Region 10 has not acted on our survey returns and on October 
20, 2008, that office transmitted a memorandum for the Secretary 
regarding their dilemma," the document stated.

Lawyer Apolinario Banaag, attorney II of DAR-Northern Mindanao’s legal 
services division, documented what transpired in the dialogue. He said 
they faxed the said message right after the dialogue.

"Syempre, mu-agi gyud mi og protocol. The letter is addressed to our 
department secretary requesting him to communicate with Secretary 
Atienza to facilitate the cancellation of application of the Fortich 
properties," Banaag said in a phone interview.

For his part, Peralta said they will fund the transportation expenses of 
Constantino Sales, chairman of Farm Landless Farmer Beneficiaries 
Association (FLFBA), so that Sales can plead their case to Atienza face 
to face.

"Wala man pud na sila'y kwarta busa atong i-fund iyang gasto paadto 
Manila as partners in the implementation of Carp (Comprehensive Agrarian 
Reform Program). Si Secretary Atienza naa man gud siya'y people's forum 
every Thursday. Posible nga earlier next week makalarga na siya (Sales) 
or anytime nga andam siya," Peralta told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

Peralta said many cases have been decisively acted upon by Atienza on 
his weekly program, citing the “Ocaya” case as an example -- an agrarian 
reform issue similar to the FLFBA case.

In an interview with Sun Star Cagayan de Oro, Sales welcomed Peralta's 
suggestion that he go directly to Atienza.

"Maayo man hinuon pud na pero ila ko'ng pletehan kay wala gyud mi 
kwarta," Sales said.

Meanwhile, the farmers are still encamped inside the DAR-Northern 
Mindanao compound in Macanhan, Cagayan de Oro City. The farmers said 
they will not leave the compound until the Agrarian office will act on 
the problems they raised.

Joseph Coles, Task Force Mapalad (TFM) organizer, said they will light 
candles inside the DAR compound on Sunday to dramatize their 
condemnation of the dilly-dallying tactics of the said department.







http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=98352

Bulgaria Milk Producers Stage Yet Another Protest Downtown Sofia
Society | October 29, 2008, Wednesday

Adrian Tsakonski, the leader of the Bulgarian Milk Producers' 
Association is skeptical about the future of the milk producing sector 
in Bulgaria. Photo by Nadya Kotseva (Sofia Photo Agency)
Bulgaria milk producers have staged yet another protest in front of the 
Agriculture Ministry downtown Sofia, demanding a meeting with the 
leaders of the three-way ruling coalition.

The protesters want to discuss with the government the future of the 
milk-producing sector in Bulgaria.

Chair of the Milk Producers' Association, Andrian Tsakonski, said he was 
skeptical such a meeting would take place , as he "did not believe in 
their honesty."

Over the past months milk producers in Bulgaria have staged numerous 
protest over unpaid subsidies and against the government policy in the 
sector.











http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112058620300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Cane farmers to take part in protest
Staff Reporter
MADURAI: Members of the Tamil Nadu Sugarcane Farmers’ Association of 
National Cooperative Sugar Mills at Alanganallur near here will take 
part in a demonstration in Chennai scheduled for November 26, demanding 
Rs. 1,550 as procurement price for a tonne of cane. In a statement, its 
secretary, A. Sundararajan, said that the joint meeting of all cane 
farmers’ association held here on Wednesday had decided to hold a series 
of protests urging the State and Central governments to implement the 
Rangarajan Committee recommendation of offering Rs.1,550 as procurement 
price for a tonne of cane. The farmers of Pandiyarajapuram sugar mills 
would also participate in the demonstration, the statement said.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/18/stories/2008111860090600.htm


Tamil Nadu

Protest against “low wages”
Special Correspondent
—Photo: K. Ganesan

: For more wages: Farm workers at the Madurai Collectorate on Monday.
MADURAI: A large number of farm workers, including women, and members of 
the Communist Party of India staged a demonstration in front of the 
Collectorate here on Monday in protest against “low wages” paid by 
Agricultural College and Research Institute to casual labourers employed 
in the campus farm.
A delegation, led by P. Kalidas, CPI urban district secretary, submitted 
a memorandum to Collector P. Seetharaman, who assured to look into their 
grievances.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Kalidas said that the Collector had, through 
an order, fixed Rs. 105 as daily wage based on the prevailing market rates.
However, the college disbursed only Rs. 80 as daily wage to labourers. 
The college authorities justified it on some “vague calculations,” which 
was not acceptable.
The workers wanted the college administration to disburse Rs. 105 as per 
the agreement and pay the arrears immediately.
They alleged that there were no medicines available for snake bite.
Mr. Kalidas said that the problem was similar for the 3,500 casual 
labourers working in seven agricultural colleges in the State. He urged 
the government to intervene in the issue.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/14/stories/2008111451750300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Land survey exercise triggers protest
Correspondent
VIZIANAGARAM: The I-town police took nine dalits into preventive custody 
when they obstructed survey of land by revenue and housing officials at 
Thotapalem here on Thursday, according to Sub-Inspector Ramana Murty. .
Families of the victims told visiting reporters that 14 dalit families 
had ‘purchased’ 10.76 acres of agriculture land surrendered as surplus 
under the Land Ceiling Act and had been tilling it since then. They had 
also been paying cess regularly.
Recently, Minister for Housing Botcha Satyanarayana reportedly asked 
revenue and housing officials to survey the land for construction of 
houses under Indiramma programme.
When the officials began survey of the land in the morning, the SCs 
staged a protest and obstructed officials from discharging their duty.
















http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1116/agriculture.html

IFA says Fianna Fail letting down farmers
Sunday, 16 November 2008
The president of the Irish Farmers' Association has accused Fianna Fáil 
of forgetting their roots and letting down the west of Ireland.
Padraig Walshe was speaking in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, where 
around 5,000 farmers demonstrated against cuts in farm spending 
announced in the budget.
The IFA estimates that the Budget measures will cost farmers in the west 
and north-west nearly €40m.
Advertisement
Since the Budget in mid-October, farmers have been holding meetings all 
over the country to voice their anger over cuts in investment programmes 
and in retirement and some livestock schemes.
The IFA is accusing the Government of taking the easy option by cutting 
the income of farmers on marginal land mainly in the west of Ireland.
Mr Walshe said cuts in the suckler welfare and the disadvantaged areas 
schemes are a direct attack on the viability of low-income farmers.





http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/1127/1227739033833.html

Thursday, November 27, 2008
Sheep farmers protest in Dublin
SEÁN Mac CONNELL, Agriculture Correspondent
THE LAST time protesting farmers brought their sheep to the Department 
of Agriculture in Dublin they drove them into the lobby, souring 
relations between the two sides for a decade.
Yesterday sheep farmers arrived again at Kildare Street, but carefully 
penned their ewes on a bed of straw and never went near the lobby.
Yet the issue remains the same nearly 20 years on. Sheep farmers want 
more money, and that was the purpose of yesterday's IFA-inspired event.
Unlike the last protest, the sheep men are keeping their animals at the 
front door of the department until Minister for Agriculture Brendan 
Smith delivers them a €20 per ewe payment.
Last week the Minister got permission from the EU to give unspent EU 
funds of €23 million to needy sectors, and Henry Burns, the IFA sheep 
committee chairman, says his sector needs it most and now.
He said the Minister was on record that the sheep sector would be a 
priority for these funds, but since then had refused to commit himself 
to a major aid package.
A spokesperson for the Minister said the dispersal of unspent EU money 
would be decided by the Minister following consultation with the main 
stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
The statement was issued before the Minister was aware that the sheep 
will be kept there until he agrees to pay the money.
Farmers like Richard Brickenden from Cratloe, Co Clare, and Colm 
O'Donnell from the Ox mountains in Co Sligo, said without EU aid the 
industry would be lost.
They said they were staying at the department until the commitment was 
given, no matter how long that took.





http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1130/budget.html

Minister in 'denial' over farming cuts: IFA
Sunday, 30 November 2008
The Irish Farmers' Association has said the Minister for Agriculture 
Brendan Smith is in denial over the impact of the Government cuts on 
farmers.
The minister said that he did not accept claims about the impact of the 
cuts on farm incomes.
However, IFA President Padraig Walshe said Minister Smith is 
disingenuous by referring to 2008 payments, which have nothing to do 
with the Government's farm cuts for 2009.
Advertisement
This evening an estimated 7,000 thousand farmers took part in a 
demonstration in Ennis, Co Clare.
Farmers mostly from the west and southwest of the country attended the 
protest.
Around 20,000 farmers have expressed their anger over the Budget cuts at 
IFA meetings all over the country since October.
Mr Walshe said the way farmers have been hit is totally unacceptable.
Speaking in RTÉ, Mr Walshe said many farmers would not be able to make a 
living from farming.
He said the cuts are a direct attack on the viability of low-income 
farmers, especially in the West.






http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1129/budget.html

Separate protests over Budget cuts
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Teachers groups and farmers and have staged separate protests against 
Budget cuts.
…
Meanwhile, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association demonstrated 
outside a meeting of Fianna Fáil councillors in Tullamore, Co Offaly 
where Taoiseach Brian Cowen and other Government Ministers were in also 
attendance.





http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/mhidideymhau/rss2/

Offaly farmers protest over Budget cuts
Print Email+ Share+
29/11/2008 - 09:01:35
Farmers are protesting over Budget cuts in Offaly today.

Members of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association will 
demonstrate outside the Tullamore Court Hotel as the Taoiseach Brian 
Cowen attends a meeting with county councillors from around the country.

Around 300 farmers are expected to attend.







http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1127/agriculture.html

Farmers protest over sheep subsidies
Thursday, 27 November 2008 16:58
Farmers are continuing their demonstration outside the Department of 
Agriculture in Dublin seeking new subsidies for sheep producers.
The farmers have penned-in about 12 sheep near the entrance to the 
department as part of their protest.
The IFA is seeking a new €20 per ewe payment, which they say was agreed 
last week in Brussels, with the money due to come from unused CAP funds.
Advertisement
Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith said he will decide how the funds 
will be spent and that he will not be influenced by any group.
IFA National Sheep Committee chairman Henry Burns accused Minister Smith 
of trying to back-track on his promise to allocate unused funds to the 
sheep sector.






http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_economy_0_09/10/2008_101123

Farmers dump dairy goods in protest action


EUROKINISSI
Farmers from northern Greece demonstrated in Thessaloniki yesterday 
[October 8], voicing demands for an increase in government aid as they 
gave away dairy products to passers-by. The producers gathered at around 
midday in the northern Greek city and handed out milk and yogurt 
products to dozens of people, most of them elderly citizens. Among their 
financial demands is an increase in compensation to make up for losses 
caused by low rainfall this year and subsidies to help cover the rising 
cost of animal feed. They also called on the government to intervene and 
help them secure higher selling prices for products that are sold on to 
large dairy corporations. ‘Prices are very low for producers and very 
high for consumers,’ said one farmer.








http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/06/stories/2008100652860300.htm

Karnataka

Farmers protest low onion price
Staff Correspondent
DAVANGERE: Farmers here discarded loads of onions on Sunday, protesting 
against the sharp decrease in its prices as well as the failure of the 
Government to announce a support price for the crop. They also staged a 
“rasta roko” on National Highway 13 near Kalledevarapura village in 
Jagalur taluk.
Onion has been widely grown in Kalledevarapura and surrounding villages 
and the price of the crop has come down to Rs.70 a quintal. Farmers say 
they would be unable to recover even one-tenth of their production cost 
if they sell the crop for that price.
They said they anticipated a good price for their produce and hence had 
grown the crop widely in the taluk. They demanded that the Government 
come to their rescue and announce a support price immediately.
Office-bearers of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene led 
the agitation.
A memorandum was submitted to the tahsildar of Jagalur. Surprisingly, 
the price of onion at the Davangere market has not yet been revised and 
it is still being sold at Rs.10 a kg.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/21/stories/2008102151420300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Udhagamandalam

AIADMK protest against lack of amenities
Special Correspondent
Power cut has hit functioning of bought leaf tea factories
Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy

Raising voice: AIADMK workers staging a demonstration in front of the 
Panchayat Union office in Udhagamandalam on Monday. —
Udhagamandalam: In protest against the lack of basic amenities in 
Thumanatty and surroundings, a demonstration was staged by the All India 
Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam workers in front of the Panchayat Union 
office here on Monday.
Addressing the gathering, former Minister Pollachi V. Jayaraman said 
that the demonstration was to condemn the appalling condition of roads 
in Thummanatty, Ebbanad, Kagguchi, Hullathy and Sholur panchayats.
Closure
It was also in protest against the closure of the Industrial Cooperative 
(INDCO) tea factory at Ebbanad.
The speakers pointed out that due to power problems functioning of 
bought leaf tea factories and studies of school and college students had 
been affected.
The demonstrators urged the government to give suitable wages under the 
National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.
Police warned
Coming down hard on the police for denying permission for such 
demonstrations, the speakers said that it was just a matter of time 
before the AIADMK came to power in Tamil Nadu.
Among those who spoke were former Minister A. Miller and district 
secretary, AIADMK, M. Selvaraj.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/23/stories/2008102352840300.htm

Karnataka - Bijapur

Protesters admitted to hospital
Bijapur: Five of the 50 farmers who had been on a fast for two days 
demanding compensation for uncrushed sugarcane for 2006-07 were 
hospitalised on Wednesday evening after they complained of stomach pain. 
They have been identified as Shrishail Biradar, Shekhu Hosdurg, 
Ishwarappa Biradar, Muttavva Pujari and Alima Chapparband.
According to sources in the civil hospital, their conditions are now 
normal. — Staff Correspondent










---------------------------------------------------

Angry farmers burn rice harvest, accuse PDI-P of
betrayal

Jakarta Post - October 16, 2008

Agus Maryono, Purwokerto -- A group of farmers in
West Ajibarang, Banyumas regency, on Wednesday set
fire to seven tons of unhusked rice, claiming they
had been betrayed by the Indonesian Democratic
Party of Struggle (PDI-P).

The farmers said the party had promised to buy
their harvest at a high price, but had instead done
nothing.

"We are really disappointed. We waited three months
for PDI-P officials to make good on their promise,
but nothing was done, and all the unhusked rice we
harvested is now spoiled," said Sartono, 45, one of
the affected farmers.

The rice, developed in a PDI-P-sponsored project,
was called MSP -- an abbreviation of Mari
Sejahterakan Petani (let's make farmers wealthy),
and also the initials of PDI-P chairwoman Megawati
Soekarnoputri.

At the launch of the project, the PDI-P's Banyumas
office pledged to buy all the harvested rice at Rp
7,000 (72 US cents) per kilogram, some Rp 1,000
higher than the market price. But when harvest time
rolled around, local party officials refused to buy
the rice, arguing they did not have the money for
it.

"From the very beginning, PDI-P Banyumas chairman
Suherman convinced us his party would buy the
entire harvest. Now we know it was all a lie," said
60-year-old Sujadi Sumarto, chairman of the West
Ajibarang farmers group.

Sumarto added the MSP variety had given farmers a
relatively large yield of seven tons of unhusked
rice from the 1.5 hectares of fields used in the
pilot project.

"With the promised price, we expected to earn some
Rp 50 million from the harvest. But thanks to their
deceit, it has turned into a big loss for us,"
Sumarto said.

He said because of the party's refusal to buy the
rice, the group was unable to cultivate their
fields for the last three months because they had
no money to do so.

Sumarto also expressed concern over how a major
political party like the PDI-P could deceive the
public in such a way, especially with the 2009
general elections drawing nearer.

Along with the rice, the angry farmers also burned
down a huge banner reading "Mari Sejahterakan
Petani" with a picture of Megawati on it.

Supangat, deputy chairman of PDI-P Banyumas,
confirmed the MSP project was a PDI-P national
initiative. "Because it was also conducted in
Banyumas, we were obliged to buy all the harvested
rice.

---------------------------------------------------








http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24555657-2862,00.html

Water protesters cold on Premier John Brumby
Mike Edmonds
October 27, 2008 12:00am
HUNDREDS of north-south pipeline protesters took over the main street of 
Yea yesterday demanding the resignation of Premier John Brumby.
The farmers and others from up and down the Melba Highway, the route of 
the controversial pipeline, were urged to keep up the fight against the 
$750 million project by local Federal Opposition members and independent 
and Green senators from South Australia.
About 650 people turned the rally into a march, effectively blocking 
highway traffic through Yea for 20 minutes.
SA independent senator Nick Xenophon said the pipeline concept was 
madness and there needed to be "a thorough independent audit of the 
claims being made by the Victorian Government".
Aboriginal elder Uncle Roy Patterson performed a healing and cleansing 
ceremony, and told the crowd the effects of the pipeline would ruin 
families in its way.
"Brumby is an ignorant, arrogant dictator," he said.
"If Brumby goes ahead with this pipeline he's going to destroy three 
states - Victoria, SA and NSW."









http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=133277

Police accused of killing protester Tuesday, September 02, 2008
By our correspondent

KHAIRPUR: A grower reportedly died when the police resorted to 
baton-charge and aerial firing to disperse hundreds of growers, 
protesting against the shortage of urea in Pano Aqil on Monday.

The concerned SHO and three other cops were arrested on the orders of 
DPO Sukkur Sharjel Khan Kharel. The DPO also ordered registration of an 
FIR against SHO Masood Mahar and his three colleagues. However, the 
accused SHO said the man died due to suffocation and not by the 
baton-charge. But Taj Muhamamd Jatoi, brother of the deceased, insisted 
that his brother was beaten to death by the police. Meanwhile, a breach 
in the Dighri Canal inundated many villages and the authorities 
suspended two Irrigation officials for negligence. At RD-25, a wide 
breach occured in the canal, inundating Pitafi and Burrira villages 
besides flooding the standing crops.

http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/26/stories/2008092653530300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Protest for fertilizer turns violent
Special Correspondent
NANDYAL: The protest by farmers for fertilizer turned violent at 
Srinivasa Junction in Nandyal town on Thursday leaving four policemen 
and 50 farmers injured in the incident. The police resorted to lathi 
charge to disperse the mob which tried to loot two trucks carrying the 
stocks and took into custody former Telugu Desam Minister N. Md. Farooq 
on the charge of instigating farmers.
According to reports, some 2,000 farmers resorted to rasta roko for 
fertilizer at Srinivasa junction and held up traffic for six hours. 
Leaders of TDP, CPI and CPI(M) also took part in the protest in 
solidarity with the farmers.
When the protesters tried to take away the fertilizer bags from the two 
trucks passing by, the police intervened and caned the farmers. Several 
farmers and policemen suffered bleeding injuries in the clash.
Mr. Farooq and others were let off after the situation came under control.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/22/stories/2008092254620300.htm

Karnataka - Raichur

KPRS to protest against supply of spurious seeds, fertilizer hoarding
Staff Correspondent
Crop in more than 300 acres of land in Deodurga taluk affected
________________________________________
Farmers spent
Rs. 5, 000 an acre for growing sunflower
‘Administration did not respond to farmers’ complaints’
________________________________________

Maruti Manpade (centre), president of the State unit of Karnataka 
Prantha Raitha Sangha, at a press conference in Raichur on Sunday.
Raichur: Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS) has decided to organise 
a farmers’ rally at Deodurga town in the first week of October to 
protest against the alleged failure of the State Government to protect 
the interests of farmers in the district.
At a press conference here on Sunday, Maruti Manpade, president of the 
State unit of the sangha, said the farmers in the district had been 
distressed owing to the failure of early rains.
Shortage
However, rains in the past one month had helped them take up sowing of 
crops for the late kharif season, but they had been facing shortage of 
seeds and fertilizer.
Besides, many farmers had suffered losses owing to supply of spurious 
seeds. The failure of the district administration in checking the supply 
of spurious seeds and hoarding of fertilizer had affected the interests 
of the farmers, he said.
Mr. Manpade said that majority of farmers in rainfed areas in the 
district had sown sunflower crop on a large scale. However, standing 
crop on more than 300 acres of land in Deodurga taluk had been affected 
at the flowering stage even though farmers used the certified seeds 
approved by the Agriculture Department. Officials of the department were 
responsible for the supply of spurious seeds to the farmers, he alleged. 
Mr. Manpade said farmers had spent about Rs. 5, 000 an acre for growing 
hybrid sunflower crop. But the crop failed causing heavy losses to the 
farmers. The affected farmers had registered complaints with the police. 
But the Agriculture Department had threatened the farmers that 
fertilizers would not be allotted to them if they did not withdraw the 
cases, he alleged.
Mr. Manpade said he had spoken to Deputy Commissioner Adoni Syed Saleem 
and Superintendent of Police B.A. Padmanayana appealing to them to 
register cases against dealers involved in the supply of spurious seeds, 
but there had not been any response.
He said he had also approached Ravikumar, Secretary of the Agriculture 
Department, to give directions to the officials concerned to supply 
quality seeds and take up proper distribution of fertilizer.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/03/stories/2008090359680500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

Farmers stage demonstration
TIRUCHI: Members of Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, affliliated to the 
Communist Party of India, staged a demonstration near the Collectorate 
here on Tuesday demanding the Centre to immediately sanction 
agricultural loans through the nationalised banks to the farmers.
The demonstration was led by Sangam district president Ayilai Siva 
Sooriyan.




http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/28/stories/2008082860321100.htm

Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Farmers’ association plans demonstrations
Staff Reporter
Coimbatore: The Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangham has decided to stage 
demonstrations in front of the Collectorates in the third week of 
September demanding loan waiver scheme, against land acquisition, end to 
wild boar menace and fixation of procurement prices.
In a memorandum, the State President of the Sangham, M.R. Sivasamy, said 
that a meeting of the association had passed a number of resolutions on 
the measures to protect the farm sector. One of the resolutions said the 
Central and State Governments should evolve measures to extend relief to 
the agricultural sector by waiving farm loans outstanding as on February 
29, 2008. Such a measure would boost agricultural production and help 
combat inflation.
Scheme
The resolution added that the agricultural loan waiver scheme introduced 
by the Centre was not yielding any major benefits to the farmers. As per 
the scheme, farmers who had availed loans prior to March 31, 2007 that 
fell due on December 31 and not paid till 2008 alone were being waived.
With March 31 being the accounting deadline for the banks, farmers used 
to pay back the loans and renew the same with a fresh loan. Under the 
loan waiver scheme, big farmers with a land holding of over five acres 
had to repay their loans for availing a 25 per cent waiver. Above all, 
the entire loan waiver scheme was nothing but an existing practice of 
one-time loan settlement adopted by the banks for reducing their 
non-performing assets.
Hence, as it was done by the State Government without any discrimination 
as small and big farmers, all farm loan outstandings as on February 29, 
2008 should be waived by the Centre. The meeting also resolved to 
intensify and step up the Save Agriculture Movement. In the last 30 
years, successive governments, both at the Centre and State, had 
focussed on industrial development totally neglecting agriculture.
Prices
With agriculture becoming an unviable sector, farmers have given up 
farming resulting in prices of essential commodities going up.
Another resolution urged the government to give up the proposed 
Neelambur – Mettupalayam bypass road and convert the existing 
Mettupalayam Road into a four-lane one. Irrespective of whether the land 
was meant for public or private use, acquisition should be done as per 
the market rate and not based on the guideline value. Citing crop damage 
caused by wild boars, it demanded that wild boars be excluded from the 
Wildlife Protection Act.
The sangham also demanded that the procurement price for various 
commodities should be fixed as follows: sugarcane - Rs 2,000 per tonne;, 
paddy - Rs 1,500 per quintal; copra – Rs. 60 per kg; and milk at Rs. 20 
per litre.
To press these demands, the sangham had planned to organise agitations 
in front of Collectorates across the State.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/23/stories/2008082353350400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Farmers’ demonstration
BANGALORE: The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) and Green Brigade 
would hold a demonstration in Bangalore on September 8 and lay a siege 
to the Vidhana Soudha, seeking compensation from the Government to 
potato growers who have suffered losses worth crores of rupees. KRRS 
president and former legislator K.S. Puttannaiah told presspersons here 
on Friday that potato cultivated on one lakh acres in Hassan district 
and 15,000 acres in Chikmagalur district had been affected by “angamaari 
disease.” Besides, heavy rains had also led to the destruction of potato 
crop. — Special Correspondent






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/06/stories/2008090655450300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Protests over fertilizer scarcity
Staff Reporter
Agriculture Minister accused of making misleading statements
________________________________________
In Kurnool, TDP to observe black badge protest on September 11
Police resort to severe caning and manhandling of CPI activists
________________________________________


Logjam: Vehicles stranded on the NH-7 due to an all-party road blockade 
protesting against fertilizer scarcity at Somuladoddi near Anantapur on 
Friday.
ANANTAPUR: Activists of all parties, except the Congress, staged a road 
blockade on NH-7 at Somuladoddi village near here on Friday protesting 
the alleged government inaction over the severe scarcity of fertilizer.
Similar protests were also staged in different parts of the district.
Vehicular traffic on the NH-7 was disrupted as the protest was staged 
for about two hours. Vehicles were stranded in long queues on the either 
side of the protest point.
Speaking at the place of the protest, TDP politburo member K. 
Srinivasulu, district secretary of CPI D. Jagadish, P. Peddi Reddy of 
CPI (M) and others alleged that Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy 
was misleading the State by repeatedly claiming that sufficient stock of 
fertilizer was available.
They sought to know from Mr. Raghuveera Reddy why the farmers had been 
caned by the police and cases were booked against them for not getting 
fertilizers even after standing in serpentine queues for hours.
They also demanded that the State government waive loans of all farmers 
in drought districts like Anantapur and also reduce the price of diesel 
being used for farming needs.
They would intensify agitations if the government failed to resolve the 
farmers’ problems at the earliest.Later, police arrived at the scene, 
arrested about 30 leaders and activists of TDP, CPI, CPI (M), BJP and 
Mana Party and lifted them to Anantapur rural police station.
Police resorted to severe caning and manhandling of CPI activists when 
they were staging rasta roko in front of the RDO’s office here 
protesting the arrest of party activists on the fertilizer issue.
Three activists including town secretary of CPI P. Narayanaswamy were 
injured. District secretary of CPI (M) G. Obulakonda Reddy condemned the 
arrests and the lathi-charge and demanded the lifting of cases booked 
against farmers.
Protests were also staged at Gooty, Kadiri, Rayadurg, Guntakal, Kuderu, 
Singanamala, Mudigubba, Yadiki, Pamidi.
Kurnool Special Correspondent adds: Telugu Desam organised a protest 
against fertilizer shortage at the Collectorate here on Friday. Party 
district president Byreddy Rajasekhar Reddy, secretary Meenakshi Naidu, 
former ministers B.V. Mohan Reddy, N.Md. Farooq and others were present. 
Addressing farmers, Mr. Rajasekhar Reddy said, among other things, that 
the TDP would intensify its stir against the fertilizer shortage by 
beginning with black badge protest on September 11.
(Sept 6)






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/18/stories/2008091850620200.htm

Andhra Pradesh

TDP protest against shortage of fertilizer
TDP leader Bangi Ananthaiah and his supporters staged a protest here on 
Wednesday against shortage of fertilizer.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/16/stories/2008091652860300.htm

Karnataka - Bijapur

Farmers protest
Bijapur: Farmers in Bijapur taluk staged a rasta roko at Gandhi chowk 
here on Monday to protest against delay in the supply of seeds and 
fertilizers. They gathered at Ganghi Chowk hampering vehicular movement 
for more than two hours.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/10/stories/2008091052710300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Kurnool

Protest against non-payment of wages
Special Correspondent
KURNOOL: Leaders and activists of Farm Workers’ Union staged a 
demonstration at the collectorate here on Tuesday urging the government 
to clear the pending bills for workers engaged under NREGS.
State secretary of the Union Venkat, CPI(M) district secretary T. 
Shadrak, district secretary of the Union Bala Hussain and others were 
present.
Mr. Venkat said though the workers had completed the works six months 
ago, the officials had not paid the bills amounting to Rs. 43 crore. He 
said the delay in payment of wages would defeat the very purpose of the 
scheme.
He said that at many places, workers were not being paid minimum wages. 
Mr. Venkat said the inference of politicians in implementing the 
programme was very high in certain areas. A huge amount was diverted to 
other purposes. He urged the government to take action against the 
officials who acted hand in glove with the politicians in certain mandals.
The authorities failed to pay compensation to the workers who suffered 
injuries or died. The union asked the government to release Rs. 43 crore 
and initiate criminal action against the officials who indulged in 
corrupt practices.
The protesters barged into the collectorate and raised slogans.
The leaders presented a memorandum to in-charge Collector Chakravarthi.






http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/04/stories/2008100453770400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Farmers’ protest
HYDERABAD: Members of the National Alliance of Farmers’ Associations 
will hold protests in New Delhi and all State capitals on October 22 
demanding remunerative prices for all products, as recommended by 
National Commission on Farmers, T. Haque, ex- chairman of Commission for 
Agricultural Costs and Prices and NAFA adviser, told reporters here on 
Friday. – Special Correspondent





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/02/stories/2008100253430300.htm

Karnataka - Bijapur

Protest on October 4
Bijapur: The district unit of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangha has decided to 
stage a dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office on October 4 
urging him to fulfill their various demands.
In a press release, sangha president Gurunath Shankar Bagali said that 
the sangha would demand release of compensation for uncrushed sugarcane 
for 2006-07, transport and support price for sugarcane crop, and the 
implementation of tank filling project. — Staff Correspondent







---------------------------------------------------

Protests over president's super hybrid rice

Tempo Interactive - September 6, 2008

Jakarta -- The super hybrid rice known as Super toy
HL-2 was planted and harvested by no less than the
President himself with great fanfare last April.

However, experts say, the rice has not completed
test procedures. "We have not officially sold this
variety to the market as yet," said Agriculture
Department's Food and Plants director-general,
Sutarto Ali Muso, yesterday.

Sutarto was responding to farmers' protests in
Central Java who were disappointed that this type
of rice was not as good as it was promised to be.
Many of the rice grains were they were harvested.

Farmers in Grabag are demanding a Rp 22.6 billion
compensation from PT Sarana Harapan Indopangan, a
company which sponsored the rice and which promised
a compensation if the harvest failed.

The company is one of PT Sarana Harapan Indo
Group's subsidiaries, whose manager is Heru Lelono,
the President's expert staff on autonomy, together
with his partner Iswahyudi. Another one of their
subsidiaries, PT Sarana Harapan Indohidro
previously caused a similar scandal when their
much-publicized fuel-saving 'blue energy' machine
turned out to be a scam.

The Super Toy's superior trait was published in the
agriculture department's website, which claimed it
was able to produce three harvests a year without
having to re-plant the seeds, and the rice stalks
just needed to be pruned after every harvest, prior
to growing back.

Lured by the advertisement, Purworejo farmers
planted this type of rice in a 103-hectare land,
which failed. "I challenge Heru Lelono and
Iswahyudi to come to Grabag and meet the farmers
themselves. Don't let the people suffer," said
Grabag viilage chief, Gandung Sumroiyadi.

Presidential spokesman, Andi Malarangeng said the
government is not responsible for the unsuccessful
harvest, saying it was not a government project.
"The president took part in the first harvest
because he was invited by the Purworejo regent," he
added, pointing to PT Sarana, as the responsible
party.

Heru Lelono, PT Sarana's CEO, refused to take the
blame on his own. "The regent is also responsible,
because he was the one who recommended this strain
of rice,' he said. According to Heru, the company
was only responsible until the first harvest in
April. "We had no other agreement after that," he
said. "Our director (Iswahyudi) is now discussing
the matter with the regent."

- Tomi, Elik, Heru CN, Eko Ari, Akbar Tri

---------------------------------------------------










http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/03/2381992.htm

Farmers in Argentina to resume protests
Posted Fri Oct 3, 2008 10:03pm AEST
Farmers in Argentina are resuming nationwide protests against the 
Government.
They say they will suspend grain exports and limit the export of beef 
for at least the next six days.
Two months ago farmers reached an agreement with the authorities to end 
nationwide protests.
But farming leaders say the government has failed to address their 
demands, which include lower export taxes.
- BBC







http://www.mercopress.com/vernoticia.do?id=14709&formato=HTML

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Argentine farmers back on the roads for six-day protest Argentine 
farmers announced on Tuesday they will take to the roads again 
temporarily suspending grain exports and limiting beef exports to 
protest scant progress in talks with the government on how to help 
small- and medium-scale producers who are suffering financially.

But leaders from Argentina's four main farm organizations promised not 
to blockade roads as they did earlier this year during nearly four 
months of protests against the government's now-repealed export-tax hike.

The protests and blockades led to sporadic food shortages, hurt the 
economy and caused President Cristina Fernandez's popularity to plunge.

Starting Friday, farmers will wage a six-day strike to protest what they 
say is the government's lack of response to demands including larger 
subsidies for medium- and small-scale producers, more money for 
producers living far away from the country's ports and economic relief 
for thousands of farmers in northern Argentine affected by what they say 
is the worst drought in 100 years.

“There has been no room for discussion” with the government in two 
months of negotiations, Eduardo Buzzi, leader of the Argentine Agrarian 
Federation, said during a televised news conference. “In the 
countryside, things keep getting worse.

Additional problems include the government's beef and wheat export 
restrictions and price regulations, as well as high oil prices and 
falling commodity prices worldwide, said Buzzi and the head of 
Argentina's Rural Society, Hugo Biolcati.

In a separate televised news conference, Agriculture Secretary Carlos 
Cheppi called on farmers to call off the strike and said ongoing 
negotiations had provided concrete solutions.

“These protest measures help the country very little given the 
precarious international (economic) context”, he said. “We want to 
continue the dialogue”. The farmers’ announcement followed a meeting of 
the so called liaison committee of Argentina’s main four organizations 
which successfully steered the four-month protest which ended when the 
Senate voted against an export tax increase, exposing the vulnerability 
of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner administration.

However Argentine press reports indicate that the decision to take back 
to the roads was not as enthusiastic as the previous protest, apparently 
two of the organizations were not entirely convinced of the opportunity 
of the extreme measure but finally opted for unity.

Argentina is one of the world’s leading exports of soy, corn, wheat, 
barley and beef.







http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=96315

Bulgaria Farmers Stage Mass Protest at Shipka Pass
21 August 2008, Thursday

Adrian Tsakonski, the leader of the Bulgarian Milk Producers' 
Association expects over 500 protesters to show up at Shipka. Photo by 
Nadiya Kotseva (Sofia Photo Agency)
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Bulgarian farmers from all over the country are gathering Thursday at 
the Shipka mountain pass to stage yet another protest over unpaid subsidies.

Farmers from Romania have also joined the demonstration in sign of 
support for their Bulgarian colleagues.

Currently over 150 farmers have arrived at the location and there is 
increased police presence in the area. The farmers including 
fish-breeders, shepherds and poultry farmers are all there to support 
the Bulgarian milk producers.

The Mayor of Gabrovo said that negotiations are underway in order to 
prevent the blocking of the road.

Wednesday, Adrian Tsakonski, the leader of the Bulgarian Milk Producers' 
Association stated before Darik radio that he expected over 500 
protesters to show up at Shipka.

The last protest of the milk producers took place on August 13 in Sofia, 
in front of the building of the Agriculture Ministry. The very next day 
the milk producers received their subsidies for March, however, those 
for April, May, June and July remain unpaid.






http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=96474

200 Farmers from Bulgaria's Kurdzhali to Participate in Protest Rally
27 August 2008, Wednesday

Over 200 farmers from the Kurdzhali region are on their way to Sofia 
Wednesday to participate in the national farmers' protest beginning at 
12:00 pm in front of the Ministries Council building.

Boyko Sinapov, leader of the local farmers, who have been on strike for 
over a month, stated that they were disappointed in the Movement for 
Rights and Freedoms Party, their representatives on the Parliament and 
the local administration.

Sinapov voiced his frustration with the mayors of the municipalities in 
the Kurdzhali region since so far none of them has visited the farmers 
and has not taken a stand on their demands.

Sinapov added that they hope that the Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergey 
Stanishev was going to declare his stand on the milk producers' problems 
Wednesday, otherwise the farmers would remain in Sofia and rally every day.

The Leader of the Bulgarian Association of Milk Producers, Adrian 
Tsakonski announced before Darik radio Tuesday that the Wednesday 
protest rally would be the largest one to be organized by the Bulgarian 
farmers so far and would bring together over 1,500 farm workers, who 
were going to stage a permanent protest.

Tsakonski further explained for Darik that permanent protest meant 
either the Cabinet's resignation or the fulfillment of all farmers' demands.

Currently only the March subsidies for first calls dairy farms have been 
paid.





http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=96484

Protesting Farmers Try to Storm Bulgaria's Council of Ministers
27 August 2008, Wednesday


Over 200 milk producers clashed with the police in downtown Sofia as 
they tried to storm the Council of Ministers' Building. Photo by 
Kameliya Atanassova (Sofia Photo Agency)
| buy photo |

Over 200 milk producers from all over Bulgaria staged a protest rally in 
downtown Sofia demanding agricultural subsidies, which ended with 
clashed with the police and several arrests after an unsuccessful 
attempt to storm the Council of Ministers building.

After Bulgaria's Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev did not agree to meet 
with the protesters, and as their permit to protest expired at 3 p.m. 
protesting farmers tried to force their way into the government's 
headquarters at 1 Dondukov Blvd but were stopped by the dozens of 
policemen there.

As a result, several of the leaders of protesters including the Chair of 
the Milk Producers' Association Andriyan Tsakonski were arrested for 
breaking the public peace, and protesting after their permit had expired.

Tsankonski and the other leaders were released a couple of hours later 
after they were warned against engaging in similar behavior in the future.

"The protest rally was definitely organized in a provocative way. The 
organizers urged the protesters to break the law. And I will not meat 
with anyone, who does not abide by the law", said Bulgaria's PM Sergey 
Stanishev, who was in the Studentski Grad quarter during the protests, 
opening renovated university dorms.

After the clashes with the policemen, representatives of the farmers 
received a permit for permanent protests from the Sofia Mayor Boyko 
Borisov.

Meanwhile, the State Agriculture Fund has promised the farmer's 
subsidies would be paid by September 8. If this does not, the milk 
producers are going to resume the protests on September 10.






http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=97052

Bulgaria Milk Producers Stage Yet Another Protest
17 September 2008, Wednesday

Bulgarian milk producers from all over the country are to stage yet 
another protest on Wednesday against the government policy in the sector.

Rallies over unpaid subsidies will be held in Sofia, Plovdiv, Stara 
Zagora, Burgas, Sliven, Ruse, Haskovo, Kardzhali , and Gotse Delchev.

"Milk producers are to protest until we become European farmers," Chair 
of the Milk Producers' Association, Andrian Tsakonski, commented.






http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1002/farming.html

Farmers protest over grain price plan
Thursday, 2 October 2008 19:58
Around 400 grain farmers have taken part in a protest outside the 
Glanbia headquarters in Kilkenny.
The Irish Farmers Association, which organised the demonstration, says 
growers stand to lose money as the price being offered for grain is 
below cost production.
Farmers have reacted angrily to Glanbia's grain new price plan, saying 
that it is unviable and unrealistic.
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The spokesperson said there must be an overhaul of the current pricing 
mechanism.