Farmers’ bodies demand national debate on agriculture ordinances

June 15, 2020

New Delhi: Farmers’ bodies from different parts of the country have expressed great apprehension
over the consequences of the five ordinances passed by the Modi Government in the name of agricultural reforms, ”without consulting the farmers”, and demanded a national debate before the law is finally approved by Parliament.

All India Farmers Alliance (AIFA), at a discussion organised on the subject, said that these ordinanaces will benefit more the corporates than the farmers.

Conducting the discussion, Dr. Rajaram Tripathi, National Convenor of AIFA, Said the ordinances will lead to a corporate monopoly on agriculture and food grains market, and expressed surprise that before implementing these reforms related to farming, the government consulted only trade organizations, which have nothing to do with farming or agriculture.

Rakesh Tikait, the national president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, agreed with Dr Tripathi’s views and noted that after the promulgation of the ordinances, industry bodies like FICCI or CII in various TV debates appear to be advocating for contract farming. ”But experience so far suggests that farmers have less and more losses due to contract farming. The sugarcane farmer in west Uttar Pradesh has a bitter experience with this. The agreement when It is at the level of equality, is beneficial for both the parties but when one side is weak in the contract, then the loss is to be borne by the weaker side only.”

Krishnavir Chaudhary, President of the Indian Farmers ‘Society, said had the Government, before passing this ordinance, consulted the farmers’ organizations, it would have at least taken a step towards agrarian reform, if not fully met their aspiration.

President of the Indian Council of Agriculture and Food Dr. MJ Khan said that these ordinances had sown the seeds of doubt in the minds of the farmers towards the government. The farmers feel that they will not benefit from this ordinance. Therefore, the government should come forward to clarify its intentions.

Jasbir Bhati President National Farmers Organization Haryana said the policy of contract farming gives relief to the farmers on an immediate basis, but in the long term it is a policy to enslave the farmers. Dr. Sanjeev Biological Expert said that small farmers who are organic farmers have problems with their biological certification. The government has made this process so complicated and expensive that it is not possible for small organic farmers to get this certificate. There is no discussion on this in the Agricultural Reforms Ordinance, he said.

Jaipal Reddy, AIFA convenor of South India, said that there was confusion among farmers about this ordinance as conflicting news was being published and circulated by the media, so the government and the media should ensure that they should convey the correct information to the farmers.

Farmer leader Jasvir said that during the Corona transition, farmers had to face a lot of difficulties, and it was expected that in the economic relief package given by the central government, there would be relief for the farmers, but nothing happened, and farmers were shown the way to the banks.

While North FPO Federation President Punit Thind, however, had a different view as he welcomed the ordinances brought by the government, saying it was good for the farmers. ”There can be a debate on contract farming. There is some loophole in this but it is also making the farmers financially strong. Instead of finding negativity in everything, positivity should also be found. A large section of farmers in Punjab is benefiting from contract farming.”

Senior Columnist from Delhi S Rajesh and agricultural policy expert from Kolkata, Anwar Hussain also participated in the discussion held last week.

—India News Stream