India is a Agro-based country. Most of its population depends on agriculture. Not only population but our economy also depends on agriculture. Since independence, our government took many major steps, so that agricultural growth could be promoted. Now government came up with three new “Agricultural Reform Bills” passed by lower house through voice voting.
As per government, these bills would be really beneficial for our farmers. On the other hand, farmers are agitating against these amendment bills. The food processing minister of india, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal also resigned as she is also unhappy with these agricultural reform bills. But, Prime minister Modi broke the ice& stated that farmers need not to be worried.
Table of Contents
What is Agricultural Reform Bill?
Highlights of the bill
Produce trade and commerce (promotion and facilitation) bill, 2020: Allow buyers of farm produce to trade outside the Mandi system or wholesale market system run by states under APMCs(Agricultural produce marketing committee).
The farmers(Empowerment & Protection) Agreement on Price assurance and farm services ordinance, 2020 enables farmers to directly deal with the buyer without any interference of middlemen.
The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 which removes cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onion, potatoes from list of essential commodities.
Reasons of Agitation Against New Bill
Farmers trust their middlemen as they have the license from the officials. But now as per the new bill, they will lose their commission and have to face troubles to survive.
Farmers are allowed to barrier free inter state & intra state trade in agricultural produce, but farmers are saying about their “Trade Area”. Big corporates will now control the markets and farmer’s dealing power will be ended.
Farmers of all the states are worrying that if government agencies will not buy their produce then how will they get their MSP (Minimum Support Price). And the government says that if any issue or dispute arises regarding their land, it will be the duty of SDM or Deputy commissioner to resolve the same.
Now farmers of Punjab are organizing a three day protest. There will be a “Rail Roko” agitation in all over the Punjab from September 24-26 .
Conclusion
Government is assuring the farmers that these new bills will bring more benefits for them and their profit will increase. By using modern technology in farming sector will also provide more power to our farmers.
Writing Credits – Misthi Mainwa
Very nice