Won't let you down, Modi assures farmers

New Delhi, March 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said farmers from across the country have written to him about their problems and he will not let them down.

Addressing farmers during his monthly radio programme "Mann Ki Baat", Modi said bullies and the mafia create problems for farmers and villagers.

"There are several problems like non-availability of roads and electricity, increasing prices of fertilizers and women reporting about their husbands indulging in drug-taking activities," he said.

Modi said he was pained to hear about poor crops due to unseasonal rains, farmers not getting fertilizers on time or being forced to drink dirty water.

"I feel ashamed at times on what we (the ruling class) have done. I don't have any answer for that but I can assure you that I will make my government aware of issues related to you," he said.

Modi also regretted that unseasonal rain had created problems for the farmers.

"I know the farmer is in trouble. He who works so hard throughout the year has lost everything because of these problems. I assure you that I am with you in these difficult times," Modi said.

The prime minister said all departments and officials concerned have been asked to study the situation related to farmers so that the government could help them.

Opening his heart out to the farmers, Modi said he did not imagine that they would ask him so many questions ahead of his radio talk.

"When I thought of doing 'Mann Ki Baat' with farmers, I did not imagine these many questions would be asked," he said.

"I was amazed to know how active and aware you are. I learnt about your pain after reading your letters," he said.

The prime minister said farmers also told him about government plans.

The farmers said they get to hear about lots of plans by the government but these do not reach them.

"We feed people but our pockets are empty as we don't even get a buyer of our products and this forces us to sell it at lesser prices," Modi quoted the farmers as saying.

He said they are also harassed by small traders, and that he would ensure that the government and other related authorities were aware of it.

"I assure you that my government will protect your interests. I will also fix mistakes of the government on basis of your letters. You can write to me and I will talk to you once again," he said.