PANAJI
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said, "the three Farm Reform Laws are going to change the fortune of agriculture in our country. The new laws will eradicate the fundamental problems plaguing the agriculture sector."
Javadekar was speaking at a press conference in Panaji, on Sunday, on the theme ‘Empowerment of Farmers’. Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister, Chandrakant Kavalekar was also present.
Javadekar said, "With the three farm reform laws, now the farmer who has been deprived for so many years, will determine the price of his agricultural produce. He will also have the choice whether to sell in the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) or the free market, he is now empowered with the right to determine to sell at the price he chooses."
He said, "the farm reform laws are in line with the government’s vision of ‘One Nation-One Market’. With GST, we now have ‘One Nation-One Tax’, by setting up National Testing Agency we have ‘One Nation-One Examination’ and also the recently announced ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ Scheme. So, in that line the Farm Laws will lead to the creation of ‘One Nation-One Market’."
"Through the new reforms, under contract farming, it will be ensured that the ownership will remain with the farmer, the contract will only be regarding the crops. Contract farming will bring in new technology, new seeds, investment. Through the years low productivity is the biggest problem faced by our farmers. As investment will grow, the use of technology and new seeds will enhance the productivity."
Citing amendments in Essential Commodity Act, Javadekar said that it will protect farmers from adverse market fluctuations, restrictions will be imposed only during extraordinary situations, this will enable farmers to get better worth for their produce.
