Yatharth Sikka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reassured the farmers that the farm reforms are in their best interests. Farm bills passed by Lok Sabha are “historic” and hit out at the opposition parties for “misguiding” the farmers.
As opposition parties dubbing the three bills as “anti-farmers” and Harsimrat Kaur Badal resigned from the government after the protest by farmers, PM Modi replied to the criticism, saying these laws will unshackle farmers by allowing them to sell their produce anywhere by negotiating a better price.
“People who ruled this country for decades and were in power such people are trying to mislead farmers. They are telling lies to farmers,” PM Modi said.
“Farmers have been given new independence in agriculture. They’ll now have more options and opportunities to sell their produce. I congratulate them on the passage of these bills. It was necessary to bring these to protect them from middlemen. These are farmers’ shields,” the Prime Minister
“Fake news is also being spread that wheat and rice etc. will not be procured by government agencies from farmers. This is an absolute lie, completely wrong and an attempt to cheat farmers,” the Prime Minister added.
While referring to the new farm Bills, PM Modi further “Any person can sell his product anywhere in the world, wherever he wants. But only my farmer brothers and sisters were denied Now, with the new provisions in force, the farmer can sell his crop in any market of the country, at his desired price”.
When Congress is planning to start a nationwide agitation on this issue, Sanjay Jha, former spokesperson of the party who was suspended for questioning the leadership of Gandhi family reminded the grand party about its manifesto. He tweeted,”Folks, in our Congress Manifesto for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, we had ourselves proposed abolition of APMC Act. and making agricultural produce free from restrictions. This is what the Modi government has done in the farmers’ bills. BJP and Congress are on the same page here”.
“Opening up the national market for farmers is a sensible move to give greater control over fair to attractive remuneration; less middlemen will boost farmer profitability. Protection against corporate exploitation can be built-in, as an assured MSP. Prima facie, welcome step!” he further added.
At last PM Modi said “I want to convey you (farmers) that you should not be misled by anyone…some people are lying to farmers… they’re supporters of brokers”, “These agricultural reforms will provide new avenues to farmers to increase their profits…agriculture sector will benefit from modern technology and our farmers will be empowered”.
It is to be noted that The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 was passed on Thursday, September 17 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed on Tuesday, September 15.
