Farmers Movement Archive

HP farm bodies too sceptical

Shimla: Himachal Kisan Sabha, an organisation of 50,000 farmers from the hill state, on Saturday described the central government’s ‘one India, one agriculture market’ initiative as a new concept that would benefit only big companies and business houses, while poor farmers would get nothing. The Union Cabinet approved the ordinance for the one agriculture market this week. The Himachal Pradesh Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Growers Association too felt that a majority of growers in the state who would not benefit from what the Centre has been describing as agricultural reforms. Himachal Kisan Sabha president Kuldeep Singh Tanwar said one market was not good for farmers as big business houses would buy only high-grade product, which comprise around 20% of total produce. He added even if farmers were paid a higher price, they would not benefit much as it would be difficult for them to sell the rest of produce falling under other grades as there was no plan for different grades. He said APMC Act had been diluted and e-marketing would not benefit farmers much. Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Growers Association state president Harish Chauhan said a majority of farmers had already shifted from agriculture to horticulture produce, so the new concept would not make much difference to them as there were no restrictions on selling fruits and vegetables in any part of the country. He said there was a need to have a world-class modern-marketing yard for apple and mango with the facilities of grading, sorting and compressed atmospheric stores at one place. He said instead of boxes, fruits should be sold in crates. He added entry of big business housse would ensure good facilities to farmers and arthiyas.

The Times of India

2020-06-08

Chandigarh