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What agriculture needs:
1. India has grown into a surplus agri nation, despite feeding 140 crore. It globally ranks 1st, 2nd or 3rd in most of the agri-products. So something right must hv happened.
2. Despite having huge output, agriculture remains low remuneration job.
1/n
1. India has grown into a surplus agri nation, despite feeding 140 crore. It globally ranks 1st, 2nd or 3rd in most of the agri-products. So something right must hv happened.
2. Despite having huge output, agriculture remains low remuneration job.
1/n
3.For profitability agri-sector does need reforms.
4.Reforms include:
*direct subsidy to farmer
*investment in infrastructure
*crop diversification & growth of agri-allied sectors
*R&D for technology, varieties, crop & pest management
*R&D delivery to farmers
2/n
4.Reforms include:
*direct subsidy to farmer
*investment in infrastructure
*crop diversification & growth of agri-allied sectors
*R&D for technology, varieties, crop & pest management
*R&D delivery to farmers
2/n
5. New Agri-laws focus on investment in infrastructure and corporate farming.
6. To ensure returns on investment, laws have removed barriers on stock-piling, collective negotiation by farmers, litigation delays, technology transfers.
7. But they r silent on other aspects
3/n
6. To ensure returns on investment, laws have removed barriers on stock-piling, collective negotiation by farmers, litigation delays, technology transfers.
7. But they r silent on other aspects
3/n
8. If direct subsidies r not provided in form of MSP, relief in input cost or direct cash transfers, any increase in profitability of farmers will raise the prices.
Higher prices will inevitably be transferred to consumers, which is politically & economically unviable.
4/n
Higher prices will inevitably be transferred to consumers, which is politically & economically unviable.
4/n
9. Higher prices of agri-produce are also unviable for exports to international markets.
Internationally, majority of agri-giant nations provide huge direct subsidies to their farmers. Indian farmers have to compete with them. So again, they do need subsidies.
5/n
Internationally, majority of agri-giant nations provide huge direct subsidies to their farmers. Indian farmers have to compete with them. So again, they do need subsidies.
5/n
10. But during the entire discourse in past eight months, government is not addressing the issue of direct subsidy.
PM Kisan Sammann Nidhi support of ₹6000 per year is just not sufficient.
That’s why MSP demand has gained central space in the agitation.
6/n
PM Kisan Sammann Nidhi support of ₹6000 per year is just not sufficient.
That’s why MSP demand has gained central space in the agitation.
6/n
11. As far as R&D capabilities and extension networks to extend new research benefits to farmers are concerned, India has done a stellar work in past
A huge network of R&D institutions was established after 1950, particularly after 70s, which made India a surplus agri-giant
7/n
A huge network of R&D institutions was established after 1950, particularly after 70s, which made India a surplus agri-giant
7/n
12. Unfortunately, Modi government has been extremely lax on research institutes.
About 50% research posts have been vacant.Till recently several institutes were working without Directors for months and years. It’s only in past 3 months that govt has started appointing them
8/n
About 50% research posts have been vacant.Till recently several institutes were working without Directors for months and years. It’s only in past 3 months that govt has started appointing them
8/n
13. There has been little attention towards developing new research institutes in past seven years.
Out of 70 agri-universities, 28 built in 10 years of UPA. Modi govt. has built 1 & upgraded 1 to Central Univ!
Out of 65 ICAR institutes, just 1 in Modi govt , 9 in UPA
9/n
Out of 70 agri-universities, 28 built in 10 years of UPA. Modi govt. has built 1 & upgraded 1 to Central Univ!
Out of 65 ICAR institutes, just 1 in Modi govt , 9 in UPA
9/n
Any reforms that primarily focus on investment and side step the issue of farm subsidy, research;
Reforms that only focus on corporate farming & weaken community supported agriculture;
they are misleading reforms.
10/n
Reforms that only focus on corporate farming & weaken community supported agriculture;
they are misleading reforms.
10/n
Also, GST experience tells us that it is easier to dismantle the existing system,but challenging to replace it with the new.
Current laws financially strangulate APMC. They don’t reform but purge the current system. Sudden replacement can be disastrous.That’s why they r opposed.
Current laws financially strangulate APMC. They don’t reform but purge the current system. Sudden replacement can be disastrous.That’s why they r opposed.
