Q) The government’s laissez-faire agriculture policy needs strong institutional arrangements to protect lakhs of unorganised small farmers, who have been remarkably productive. Critically analyse. (250 words)
Why this question?
- There is a strong opposition from farmers against three Bills that seek to replace ordinances issued in June, on key aspects of the farm economy — trade in agricultural commodities, price assurance, farm services including contracts, and stock limits for essential commodities.
Introduction: Give a brief info about the government's laissez-faire agriculture policy based market reforms.
Body: Discuss the following aspects:
- Benefits of the
- Bill on agri market
- Bill on Contract Farming
- Bill relating to commodities
- Related concerns:
- Threat to MSP procurement system which is providing stable income to farmers.
- Market accessibility for small farmers: Small farmers form the majority and their access levels to markets under the APMC system are at the rate of one for an area of 434.48 sq. km on average — well below the recommendation of the National Commission on Farmers (NCF), at one market for 80 sq. km.
Conclusion: Summarize and suggest a way forward based on the recommendation of recommendation of the National Commission on Farmers (NCF).
