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California Farm Bureau voices support of Indian farmers

California Farm Bureau voices support of Indian farmers
BEFORE 3:00. A MASSIVE DEMONSTRATION SUPPORTING INDIAN FARMERS OVERSEAS ALSO UNFOLDED IN THE STREETS OF SACRAMENTO TODAY. YOU CAN SEE ORANGE FLAGS ON VEHICLES IN THIS VIDEO ON HIGHWAY 50. THOSE DRIVERS SHOWING THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE FARMERS. KCRA 3’S STEPHANIE LIN SHARES THEIR MESSAGE. AND HAS HAS MORE ON THIS ISS MAKING INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES STEPHANIE: THEY CAME FROM ALL ACROSS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. >> WE DO THIS IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS. STEPHANI THOUSANDS OF LOCALS AND SACRAMENTO’S PROTESTING THREE RECENTLY PASSED LAWS IN INDIA. AIMED AT LOOSENING REGULATIONS AROUND THE PRICING AND MARKETING OF CROPS. >> FARMERS LOSE LAND AND GO INTO DEBT. >> THIS REALLY MATTERS. IT AFFECTS THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE. IT HAS TAKEN THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE. STEPHANIE: A SHOW OF SUPPORT FOR THE MASSIVE ONGOI DEMONSTRATIONS HAPPENING OVERSEAS. AT LEAST 25 PEOPLE DEMONSTRATING IN INDIA HAVE DIED. AT LEAST ONE OF THEM BY SUICIDE. PROTESTERS WORRIED THE NEW LAWS WILL ALLOW PRIVATE COMPANIES TO TAKE OVER SMALL FAMILY-OWNED FARMS IN THE GOVERNMENT WILL NO LONGER PURCHASE CROPS AT A GUARANTEED MINIMUM PRICE. >> A LOT OF US HAVE GRANDPARENTS, PARENTS, COUSINS, BROTHERS THAT ARE FARMERS. THAT IS ALSO WHY IT MATTERS. THEY DESERVE TO BE TREATED LIKE ANY OTHER CITIZEN. STEPHANIE: NEW LAWS COULD IMPACT THE U.S., A MAJOR IMPORTER OF INDIAN GOODS. >> IF THEY STAND UP TO THIS, THEY COULD REPEAL THE BILL. STEPHANI INDIA WAS THE U.S.’S 14TH LARGEST SUPPLIER OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS LAST YEAR. THEY ARE HOPING THEIR VOICES WILL RESONATE ACROSS OCEANS. WALTER: AT LEAST 16 NOR
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California Farm Bureau voices support of Indian farmers
On Wednesday, the California Farm Bureau released a statement in support of Indian farmers. Across India, a strike called by thousands of Indian farmers continues as they protest new agriculture laws. Protest leaders have rejected the government’s offer to amend some contentious provisions of the new farm laws, which deregulate crop pricing, and have stuck to their demand for total repeal.“We understand the deep concern and distress from thousands of farmers in the states of Punjab and Haryana to peacefully protest recent agriculture reforms in New Delhi. The agriculture economy in India is a main source of livelihood for over 55% of India’s population and accounts for approximately 15% of their gross domestic product. As such a critical part of India’s economy and culture, these voices need to be heard just as we expect our voices would be heard here," said president Jamie Johansson. “California Farm Bureau represents a diverse set of all farmers in our state, including Sikh farmers, and stands with you in your efforts to protect the livelihood and nourishment of the communities around you. We remain hopeful that Indian farmers will be heard by the Indian government and can find a productive path forward that benefits India’s agriculture sector.”-- The AP contributed to this report.

On Wednesday, the California Farm Bureau released a statement in support of Indian farmers.

Across India, a strike called by thousands of Indian farmers continues as they protest new agriculture laws. Protest leaders have rejected the government’s offer to amend some contentious provisions of the new farm laws, which deregulate crop pricing, and have stuck to their demand for total repeal.

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“We understand the deep concern and distress from thousands of farmers in the states of Punjab and Haryana to peacefully protest recent agriculture reforms in New Delhi. The agriculture economy in India is a main source of livelihood for over 55% of India’s population and accounts for approximately 15% of their gross domestic product. As such a critical part of India’s economy and culture, these voices need to be heard just as we expect our voices would be heard here," said president Jamie Johansson. “California Farm Bureau represents a diverse set of all farmers in our state, including Sikh farmers, and stands with you in your efforts to protect the livelihood and nourishment of the communities around you. We remain hopeful that Indian farmers will be heard by the Indian government and can find a productive path forward that benefits India’s agriculture sector.”

-- The AP contributed to this report.