Farmers Movement Archive

Contract farming will benefit farmers with lesser means: Nitin Gadkari

The farm reforms initiated by the Centre are intended to increase incomes of farmers and can be improved if unions agitating against the new laws agree to resume discussions with government, BJP veteran and minister for highways, road transport and MSMEs Nitin Gadkari tells TOI . Excerpts from the interview:Some sections of farmers have intensified their stir against the farm laws and the stalemate continues. What’s the way forward?We have said time and again that the government is ready for talks and we are open to dialogue. The government will address their concerns and is open to accommodate suggestions that are good for farmers. Communication and dialogue must continue. We can go for clause-byclause discussion on all three laws with farmers’ leaders. How do you look at the next rounds of talks?As I said, dialogue must continue. If we talk and understand each other’s concerns, we will be able to find a solution. I am hopeful of a positive outcome from the talks and we are committed to protecting the interest of farmers. The protesters have been claiming that those who made the laws do not know about farmer issues. What’s your response?In a democracy, people have the right to express their views. But let’s consider our track record in addressing the concerns of farmers. In the past six years, we have continuously increased the Minimum Support Price and procurement of crops has gone up. We have taken several decisions, such as increasing irrigation of farmland, providing crop insurance and financial assistance to farmers. This government has taken maximum steps that benefit farmers in independent India. At the same time, we are open to new ideas for improvement. The agitators have claimed that the government introduced these laws to benefit corporate houses. What’s your view?The core of all these laws is to protect the interest of farmers, to increase their income. The farmer now has more options to sell his product. He can sell his produce in the APMC or outside and it’s his choice to sell his produce to get a better price. Getting better price benefits farmers or corporates? I have come across several questions on farmers’ apprehensions of corporates taking over their land if they go for contract farming. Let me ask a question. When you book a cab of Ola or Uber for a ride, there is also a contract between you and the service provider to transport you from point A to B for a price. But do you become the owner of that cab? Second, contract farming has brought good results in many states. This will help farmers who have no capital to invest in farming. There is a view that elements with ulterior motives are trying to hijack the farmers’ protest.I saw some of the photographs and video clips on TV channels. I am surprised to see such photos and videos. What is the link of such people and the demand to release them with the farmers’ protest? How are they impacted due to the farm laws? Farmers’ organisations should be aware of such elements. We are concerned about farmers and are ready to resolve the issues through dialogue. Others are trying to push their own agenda and farmers should be aware of this.

The Times of India

2020-12-16

India