The farmers’ protests were massive, longest and unprecedented show of solidarity. These were confined to certain geographical areas. The contentious farm laws could be scrapped as they were brought in without debates and consultations with all stakeholders. Farmers feed the nation the government is duty-bound to give agriculture the status of industry. World over farm produce is subsidised. Farmers’ suicides do not well bode for a country that boasts of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. What Vikas (progress) are we talking here? Many farmers have no storage facility for their produce. The vagaries of nature and crop insurance are loaded heavily against farmers’ interests. They do not have the luxury of cost accountants and their individual sacrifices are not factored in. It is true that agricultural income is tax-free, but marginal farmers are unable to avail of this benefit. The facility is utilised by so-called rich farmers, politicians and some industrialists. The permission for tractor rally on Republic Day was not a wise decision. The riots are not in the best interest of farmers and hence the infiltrators must be dealt with. In a democracy, the voice of the people must be heeded.
