Bathinda: Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand assertions that repeal of farm laws was a setback to achieving higher prices by cultivators has irked the farmers in Punjab. The farm groups claim that Chand’s assertions clearly point towards the Centre’s behind the scene diplomacy and efforts to bring back laws in the name of reforms. Even though Chand has talked about holding consultations with state governments, the farmers claim that any reforms without talks with them (farmers) would be opposed by them. They also claim that this appears to be an action to deflect attention from demand of legal guarantee of minimum support price on all agricultural commodities.
On Sunday, Chand had said that reforms are necessary for the agriculture sector and repeal of farm laws has come as a setback to higher price realisation, which could be a factor in achieving the goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. He also suggested starting fresh consultations with the states for resuming the agriculture reform process.
Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) leader Dashan Pal said that if any laws or reforms are brought in again without speaking to farmers, these will be vehemently opposed. “The central government is trying to hand over the agriculture sector to the corporate sector which farmers will not allow to happen. We will soon hold a debate on the issue and decide on a future course of action,” he said.
BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan too claimed that any fresh misadventure will be resisted. “We know the government is under pressure from the World Bank, IMF and some other global agencies apart from corporations but the government should not act as their representative but must think about the welfare of the farming sector,” he added.
Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher claimed, “We know the government is not sincere towards the farmers and will again come up with its pro corporate agenda. However, we will not allow this to happen and will make any sacrifice to safeguard the interests of the farmers.”
