PUSH A NEW CROP OF REFORMS

THE FARMERS’ AGITATION AGAINST THE CONTENTIOUS FARM LAWS BROUGHT INDIAN AGRICULTURE TO THE CENTRE OF PUBLIC CONSCIOUSNESS. THE MOMENTUM FOR CRITICAL REFORMS SHOULD NOT BE LOST NOW

- Siraj Hussain & Shweta Saini

WHILE REFORMS NEED TO BE LED BY STATES, THEY ALSO HAVE TO BE STRUCTURED COHESIVELY IN KEEPING WITH THE NEEDS OF THE COUNTRY AS A WHOLE

The sudden announcement by the prime minister of the decision to repeal the three central farm laws is seen by many as the end of the road for agricultural reforms. It surely isn’t. There are a few learnings from the 15 months of the farmers’ agitation:

Consultations are critical and it is important to be seen as fair

The agitation forced the government to realise that for undertaking reforms in agriculture, consultations have to be inclusive and wider. Direct talks with experts and farmers’ representatives may be necessary in 2022 for the future of structural reforms in agriculture. After all, the views of CII, FICCI and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry are considered by the government while formulating policies on incentives, investment, import/ export, taxation, etc.

The two most important incentives extended to farmers in the past few years—fixing MSP (minimum support price) at a minimum 50 per cent over the paid out costs (A2) along with cost of family labour (FL), and the yearly Rs 6,000 provided under the PM-Kisan scheme—did not emerge from consultation with farmers or state governments. They were unilateral announcements by the Centre. Now that the government has announced a committee of experts to delve into contentious issues, such as cropping patterns, fertiliser subsidy and the future of MSP, it is hoped that credible experts and farmers’ representatives from various agroclimatic zones will be nominated in the panel.

Customise reforms to states’ realities