Thiruvananthapuram: In response to the growing crisis in the agricultural sector and the alleged indifference of both state and central governments, the Catholic Congress has declared that Chingam 1 (August 16) will be observed as "Farmer Deception Day" across Kerala. The protest aims to highlight the distressing plight of farmers, who continue to suffer due to falling crop prices, mounting debts, and broken promises from political leaders.
The Catholic Congress strongly condemned what it termed as the government's "consistent betrayal" of the farming community. “Farmers are giving up cultivation. The price crash of agricultural produce has pushed many into despair. Loan burdens have turned into death traps. Suicides are rising, yet no real steps have been taken to address the crisis,” said the organizers in a press statement.
According to the protest schedule, demonstrations will be held in front of government offices across all dioceses on August 16, while unit-level protest gatherings will take place on August 17. The Catholic Congress has called upon all its members, sympathizers, and well-wishers to join hands in a united fight to safeguard the future of farmers and demand immediate corrective measures.
The organization criticized both administrators and political parties for turning a blind eye to the pain and despair of farmers. “This is not the time for words; it’s the time for action. The government must fulfill its promises and bring in effective policies to protect agricultural livelihoods,” said the statement.
By observing Farmer Deception Day, the Catholic Congress hopes to send a strong message to the authorities that the farming community cannot be taken for granted any longer.