Free healthcare services, social security for women farm workers sought

Agricultural labourers were felicitated as part of Women’s Day celebrations organised by the Federation of State Farmers’ Organisations and the State Sugarcane Growers’ Association here on Monday (March 30).

Nagamma from Alaganchi in Nanjangud taluk, Bhagyamma from Vajamangala in Mysuru taluk, and Roopa from Shantipura village in H.D. Kote taluk were honoured for their contributions to agricultural labour.

Kurubur Shanthakumar, State president of Federation of State Farmers’ Organisations and the State Sugarcane Growers’ Association, said honouring women who form the backbone of agricultural activity is a tribute to the farming community. “Agricultural labourers are like the eyes of farmers, and women workers are a strength of our society. The growth of the agricultural sector depends largely on their hard work,” he said.

He emphasised that improving the living standards of agricultural labourers is a collective responsibility and urged the government to introduce free healthcare services and social security measures for women farm workers. Women are making strides not only in agriculture but across all sectors, he added.

State Sugarcane Growers’ Association treasurer M.B. Chetan and several office-bearers, including State organising secretary Attahalli Devaraj, district general secretary Baradanapura Nagaraj, working president Kiragasuru Shankar, district president Somashekar, and others were present.

The felicitation programme was organised at Jaladarshini here to mark Mr. Shanthakumar’s 64th birthday.