India has come a long way since its independence wherein even after being second largest populous country in the world it is a current food grain exporter. As per experts, the proposed agriculture reforms were a step in the right direction though poorly designed. However continuous protest from certain pockets of the country without corresponding support from others and ignited by political parties, the three bills were withdrawn by the present government. The featured image is apt in the current scenario where the dream of doubling farmer’s income in future may remain a dream.
Britain’s colonial government in India didn’t give tenants secure rights, dooming post-independence land reforms, fragmented uneconomical holdings, lack of crop diversification beyond rice and wheat, subsidies abound but public investment being paltry; being some issues in the farm sector.
To reform the farm sector, it was proposed to allow farmers to sell produce outside of designated “mandi” yards. However farmers feared that state procurement of food grain at assured prices would wither away. Further reforms relating to promised long-term purchase contracts with private buyers raised suspicions of exploitation by big business groups.
All this will keep the farm controls in the hands of ‘Mandis’ and strong politically backed and motivated ‘co-operatives’ at the cost of the real farmers.
NPowersU Expert Opinion
With two states; Uttar Pradesh and Punjab; going into state polls in the near future and the proposed ‘Khalistani’ movement once again raising its ugly head on India, it seems the central government thought it fit to protect its voter base and secure the integrity of India. This is likely to affect further reforms in labour, CAA, NRC etc.
When will any government bite the farm bullet? – ‘Your guess is as good as FA-mine’
Related Link: