Union Agriculture Minister’s assertion that it is not possible to ensure a minimum support price which is 50 percent above the cost of production as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission is atrocious, charged Lok Satta Party Working President D. V. V. S. Varma today.
In a media statement, Mr. Varma accused the Union and State Governments of ruining farmers and tenants by not ensuring a remunerative price for agricultural produce on the one hand and not permitting them to export on the other.
The Mohan Kanda Committee appointed by the State Government to go into the conditions leading to crop holiday declaration by paddy growers in certain parts of the State did not bother to recommend measures for ensuring a fair and remunerative price. Even the Chief Minister threw the ball into the Center’s court.
Mr. Varma demanded that the State Government persuade the Center to announce a remunerative price for paddy. If it cannot, it should offer a bonus to farmers as it realizes Rs.1500 crore by way of VAT on levy rice.
Mr. Varma wanted the State Government to ensure procurement by State undertakings as in Chattisgarh. It should try to extend the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to agriculture. The Union Government should enable farmers to export their produce to foreign countries, after taking care of the country’s food security.
the State Government to ensure procurement by State undertakings as in Chattisgarh. It should try to extend the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to agriculture. The Union Government should enable farmers to export their produce to foreign countries, after taking care of the country’s food security. This is a good idea for all states.
ReplyDelete