The bill to repeal the agricultural law will be passed by the Minister of Agriculture on Monday (File)
New Delhi:
Two days before introducing the bill in Parliament to repeal the agricultural law, the government issued a note on ‘Object and Reason’ for the overturning of the law which sparked a protest that lasted nearly 15 months. of tens of thousands of farmers, led to fierce criticism of the ruling BJP, and gained global attention.
The note, released to members of Congress, blamed a group of farmers for hindering “efforts to improve the conditions of farmers, including the small and marginal …”, and said the government “tried to sensitize farmers over the importance of farm law”.
“Although only a group of farmers opposed these laws, the government did its best to educate farmers about the importance of agricultural laws and explain the values through a number of meetings and demonstrations. other herds”, a notice signed by Agriculture Minister Narendra. Tomar, said.
It says the law is “to enable farmers to sell their produce at a higher price and benefit from technological improvements … (and gain) market access to help increase income …”.
The law, the note said, would have allowed farmers “freely to sell their produce to any buyer in any place they chose…” and allowed them to engage directly with sellers retail and bulk buyers (by bypassing the middle man at the mandis), as well as benefiting from the “legal framework for farming contracts”.
“For many years, this need was continuously fulfilled by farmers, agricultural professionals, agricultural economists and farmer organizations …”, Mr. Tomar wrote in the note.
Protesting farmers welcomed the repeal but continued to demand the law for MSP (File)
Portions of the note – particularly the bit about “a small group of farmers” – echo Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement from last week, when he announced the repeal of the law.
“Only a part of farmers oppose the law, but we continue to try to educate and inform them,” the prime minister said, expressing “sorry” for not convincing them.
The recall was forced by anger against the BJP – which it may not be able to afford with many elections due next year, including in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, where farmers’ ballots are. is key.
‘Agriculture Law’ refers to a trio of bills passed by Parliament last year amid unprecedented turmoil and turmoil, and considered a “black” law by protesting farmers and the opposition.
Since then, it has faced unrelenting opposition from farmers who argue that promoting contract farming will put them at the mercy of bulk buyers and corporate companies. , who can use their financial strength to force them to accept lower prices.
Tens of thousands of farmers have been protesting the agricultural law for nearly 15 months now (File)
Protesting farmers also expressed concern about the possibility of eliminating the MSP – the guaranteed price at which the government buys crops such as rice and wheat. SUFs are an important safety net, especially for smallholders and farmers, against extreme conditions such as drought that can cost them dearly.
Although the agricultural law (in its current format) will be repealed, the government has made no specific assurances to MSPs, beyond what was said in discussions last year – that it will issue a non-binding written guarantee.
Farmers oppose these laws was scheduled to march to Parliament on Monday, but has now postponed that move. They appear to be waiting and watching to see how far the government will go in meeting their requirements, including the crucial MSP bit.
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