A 'Deal' with Agrarian Crisis!

By B Jayakishore

In the National Development Council(NDC) Meeting held in Delhi on tuesday, our PM asserted that the goal of four percent annual growth in agriculture, which has been less than two, all these years, was feasible 'Only if we are willing to take tough decisions and concerted action'.

Interestingly, PM finally woke up to the fact that Implementation of 'Localised solutions' is the one of the important aspect to overcome crisis. He also announced the Rs.25000 crore plan for the revival of the crumbling Agricutural sector.

Obviously, There has been hue and cry over the issue of Agrarian crisis in india since all these years. Politicians outcried over the farmers suicides, made scholarly speeches here and there, but the problem is still remaining unsolved. Also remedies for the the basic causes of the the much said 'Crisis' is not yet been understood by the rulers. Added to this lack of moral support to farmers, insecurity made the problem even complex.

I think every year our government comes out with various projects and plans to revive the crumbling sector. But did it bothered wearher these reforms are really reaching the needy? On Tuesday PM stressed on adopting much needed 'LOCALISED SOLUTIONS' is a welcome move. Why didn't He think of this before?

Localised solutions:India is a country of diversity. This applies to even agri-sector as well. More than 60 percent of our farming community are small farmers, who possess less than a hectare of land.
Every region in india has its own kind and methods of practicing agriculture. Every region has its own variety of crops, seeds and even method sowing them. When this is the case, obviously for any problem, localised solution must be adopted. Only then it really benefits the farmer.

For this to happen, as PM said, State govenments should actively involve in the revival of the sector in their region with the help of centre.

To explain this, Take for instance Arecanut. Which is one of the main commercial crops of the state. Fact is that those who are at the top in the AC room know only this! Though arecanut growing districts are situated side by side geographically,(DK, UK, Shimogga etc) farming and proccessing practices are totally different and hence the problems. So, to address these, State government should come up with district level planning. So that any farmer of that district can approach the authorities concerned easily and problem can be addressed according to the need in a more effective way.

The Basic idea is that, here we can provide the all neccessities required according to the need of of the region. Experts can plan technical activities such as irrigation, water management, soil management, farming methodology improvement and adopting technology requirements in more effective manner, as technology blended with local traditional wisdom can make agriculture more rewarding.

As NCS former chairman M.S.Swaminathan rightly pointed out, the allocation of Rs.25,000 crore to revive the sector should be used for single purpose. That is to bridge the gap between potential and actual yields by adopting new technologies. It is shocking that, presently this gap has been varying between 50 and 100 percent! Even more in dry farming areas in eastern India.

Cheap credits: Another question is Weather farmers really need cheap credits? Infact, this has been a hot issue for politicians to catch in on vote bank politics. Sad thing is that they never understood or not at all interested to understand the Actual problem.

If a farmer doesn't gets fair price for his produce, how can he repay the loan availed? The people at the chair should look into this aspect of the problem more importantly. As this was the main reason the country, where in more than 70 percent of population are dependent of agriculture, witnessed thousands of farm suicides in recent years.

Why not subsidy?: Take the case of US. Where government supports its farming community in the form of generous subsidies. Also It has various plans to attract youth towards agriculture. Much of the support that US govenment gives to its farmers goes to areas such as Market support, Credit and insurance. Recent farm bill announced that mommoth 618 billion dollars will be provided to the farm communities in next 7-8 years. Can we expect such measures here?

FACTS BEHIND FARM CRISIS

* Our farmers are not getting fair price to their produce and constantly becoming prey to market forces.

*There is no Effective and systematic Marketing System or Strtergy to sell the farm produce for farmers as governments are least bothered about the farming community.

*Measures to make agriculture 'Economically rewarding' are totally ABSENT.

*Leave aside the subsidy. Why not government can interven the market when price of the particular crop falls for various reasons, such that farmer interest can be protected?

*Shockingly, Most of the facilities, projects, plans implemented by the governments are still in far reach for the farmers.

*PRO-farmer lobby is ABSENT.

*Plans to provide Effective credit,insurence and market security are lagging behind or absent.

*Promotion of agriculture to attract youths and agri-business in rural areas to create more job opportunities is required. Plans to Revive Agro based industries are not yet took off.

Moreover, unless the our rulers would not develop political will power to give a BOOST to the sector 'Dealing' with crisis will remain a distant dream. Then, Obviously, the "DEAL" will break the backbone of the country, which is already half broken.