Bhopal, Jul 24: Farmers and social activists took out a rally here in favour of their demands and sought President A P J Abdul Kalam's intervention in asking the Centre to withdraw from WTO that was allegedly exerting pressure on developing countries to frame anti-farmer policies.

The protestors, under the banner of Ekta Parishad, submitted a memorandum, addressed to the President, to Governor Balram Jakhar alleging that WTO norms were widening the divide between the poor and the rich.

Farmers were hit hard by an open import policies in the era of globalisation, they alleged adding, the developed nations, through WTO, were exerting pressure on developing nations to frame anti-farmer policies so as to promote their agriculturists.

They also demanded proper implementation of agriculture insurance scheme, ban on sale of Bt cotton seeds, waiver of power bills of farmers and interest-free loans.

The farmers also held a meet addressed by several political and social activists, who claimed of launching a nationwide signature drive in favour of their demands.