Even though “a group of farmers are protesting” against agricultural laws, the government has tried to “sensitize farmers” and “explain the virtues”, but as India celebrates the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”. It is the “Nectar Festival of Freedom”. The need of the hour is to take everyone together on the path of inclusive growth and development”, the government cites as the reasons behind repeal of agricultural laws in a bill to be introduced in Parliament on Monday.
In the Agriculture Laws Repeal Act, 2021, circulated on Saturday evening, the government says three laws – Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Agricultural Services Act, 2020, Farmer Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020 and Essential The Commodities (Amendment) Acts were enacted as a part of the government’s effort to improve the conditions of farmers, including small and marginal farmers.
“These Acts were enacted following the need and demand of farmer organizations, experts, professionals, agricultural economists, expert committees, suggestions and recommendations after extensive consultation with various stakeholders for overall socio-economic development of farmers and rural area. Over the years,” said the statement on the objectives and reasons for the bill. It says that although various governments have tried to introduce such reforms during the past three decades, they were “not in a comprehensive manner”. .
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an address to the nation, announced that three laws that triggered protests among farmers in parts of Punjab, Haryana and UP would be withdrawn.
“Even though only a group of farmers are opposing these laws, the government has tried very hard to make farmers aware of the importance of agricultural laws and to explain the merits through several meetings and other forums,” it said. Says: “By removing the existing mechanisms available to farmers, new avenues were provided for trading their produce. In addition, farmers were free to choose the avenues of their choice, where they could buy more of their produce without compulsion.” However, the operation of the above agricultural laws has been stayed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. During the COVID period, farmers have worked hard to increase production and meet the needs of the country. The statement also listed several interventions of the Narendra Modi government to support farmers, including small and marginal farmers, by providing quality seeds, credit, insurance, procurement and market support.
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has announced to bring a bill to repeal the Acts on the first day of the winter session. The session is starting from 29th November and will end on 23rd December.
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