Patna: RJD national vice-president Raghuvansh Prasad Singh slammed chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday for the third agriculture roadmap released on November 9 and sought pension for farmers.

"Twelve departments have been added to the roadmap, which talks of providing farmers organic fertilisers and mechanisation to increase yield," Raghuvansh said. "It also talks of increase in yield vis-a-vis fisheries, eggs and gardening and to spend Rs 1.5 lakh crore and double farmer income. Nitish is making tall claims. Diesel is a must for irrigation, but the government is not giving any subsidy on it."

He demanded waiver of farmers' loans and Rs 3,000 a month pension for farmers above 60. "Politicians, ministers and government employees get pension. Why not farmers," he asked. "Farmers should get timely training and proper price for their yield. If the Centre and state do not meet our demand, the RJD will launch a statewide campaign."

Raghuvansh slammed Nitish and Prime Minster Narendra Modi for the alleged deterioration in the condition of farmers. "Narendra Modi promised to fix the minimum support price (MSP) of crops, incorporating 50 per cent profit in farmers' cost of production including seed, irrigation, manure and labour. Nothing has happened so far and farmers are committing suicide," the RJD leader said. "The government waived off Rs 4 lakh crore in loans to businessman and corporate people but what about farmers' loan?"

The RJD also cited how the state government finished subsidy meant for purchase of tractors and subsidy given to farmers for drip and sprinkler irrigation. He claimed farmers did not get seeds for rabi crops this year.