Big farm promises, small farmers’ pain

“India will never compromise with the interests of the farmers, livestock holders and fishermen. And I know that I will have to personally pay a very heavy price for this, but I am ready,” said Prime Minister Modi recently.

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Agriculture sustains around 46 percent of Indian population and employs over 46 percent of workers, but it generates less than a fifth of the GDP and thus priority to agriculture and agro-based industries is quite natural.

The Opposition promptly recalled and criticised the Modi government's three farm laws, highlighting police actions and negative campaigns against protesting farmers, with over 750 reported deaths. While Modi’s claim of personal loss to protect farmers was unclear, officials linked his remarks to resisting the US demands for zero-duty market access for American agricultural and dairy products, which India has consistently opposed.

An important development in the sector is the very recent launch of two mega central schemes with a total outlay of ₹35,440 crore to transform 100 low-performing agri-districts and increase productivity of pulses to reduce imports.

These are highly significant, specially the first one as the country’s productivity needs to be improved by focusing on the low productivity regions. These include PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana with an outlay of ₹34,000 crore and Mission for Self-Sufficiency in Pulses with an outlay of ₹11,440 crore.