More than three crore farmers in the country representing 86 per cent of the organisations were in support of the three farm bills that the Centre repealed last year, according to a report.
“The high powered panel, whose recommendations are of little consequence now, advocated retaining the three acts and suggested that states may be allowed flexibility in implementing and designing them with the central government’s approval,” Business Standard said in a report.
In September 2020, the government introduced three farm reform bills — The Farmers’ Produce Trade And Commerce (Promotion And Facilitation) Bill, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill. These bills, aimed at creating a free market for sale of farm produce and removing the involvement of middlemen, have faced stringent opposition from farmers across.
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Since then a few farmers’ organisations along with several other vested groups have been vehemently protesting against the move. Following the stiff opposition, a high level committee was set up by the Supreme Court to look into the issue.
Gita Gopinath, deputy managing director and former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had earlier said that proposed reform measures had the potential to increase farmers’ incomes.
Shetkari Sanghatana President Anil J Ghanwat, who was also in the SC appointed panel, told India Narrative that the farm bills had “sufficient” support of the farmers. “The panel report should have been made public at the right time,” he said.
Nirupama Soundararajan, chief executive officer, Pahle India Foundation told India Narrative that the farm laws were critical for the agriculture sector.
“Continuation of dialogue with all stakeholders is critical and the government must work to bring them on board on all issues that need change. Building consensus on such issues will be critical and once that is done, the government must take the necessary steps to modernise the farm sector,” Soundararajan said.
