I would request the Government to lower the interest rate on their loan to three per cent so that the farmers can meet their cost of cultivation. Also their children should get free education. Whenever the children of the farmers are given loans for higher studies, only three per cent interest should be charged on their loans. Madam, it is already more than 60 years since we got our Independence. What is that we have done to interlink rivers? Unfortunately, for the last one or two years we have forgotten to talk about interlinking of rivers? Unfortunately, for the last one or two years we have forgotten to talk about interlinking of rivers? A lot of water is going waste into the sea, and we have to utilize this water. Otherwise, we will continue to have drought conditions for ever. This is important. Madam, I am happy that the hon. Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee lauded the farmers, thanked the farmers for having given a plenty of food grains to the country. Yes, it is true but what is it you are giving to them in return? The Government must be grateful to them. So, the Government must arrange water to their land, provide them cheaper credit and also look after their children. Secondly, what is the position in respect of electricity today? We are unable to give even eight hours continous power supply in a day to those people who have sunk bore wells. Sometimes, the prices of vegetables go up, tomato is sold at Rs. 50 per kilo gram, and onion is sold at Rs. 40 or so. The farmers cannot grow these vegetables using the water which is available in his bore well because of lack of electricity. So, the Government must ensure that the farmers are provided eight hours continuous power supply in a day with sufficient voltage. This has to be done at the earliest. What is happening now? In many parts in my State, also in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, one has to dig one thousand feet to get the water. That water, which contains a lot of fluoride contents, is neither useful to farmers for cultivating their crops.
