As the agitating farmers resorted to the closure of the Delhi-Jaipur highway on Saturday, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar made an appeal to them and said that the government was willing to hold discussions on every level. Speaking exclusively to The Daily Guardian, Tomar said that PM Modi is duty-bound to the cause of farmers and the farm laws are for their benefit.
Q: The whole nation wants to know how this crisis will be resolved?
A: The Government of India introduced this bill so that there is an improvement in the standard of living of farmers, so that farmers get fair prices for their produce, are attracted to farming expensive farm products, become more techno-friendly, indulge in farm practices approved the world over, are able to export their produce, and that the restrictions they face in selling their produce are done away with. They have been freed from the shackles of the mandis through this act. This government has held long hours of talks with the protesters at various levels and tried to solve issues which were raised during these discussions.
There was an issue that APMCs would be weakened. We agreed to make necessary amendments in this regard. Then they felt that they would not get a fair deal at the SDM level and wanted the right to approach the court of law. They said the traders were not registered. They wanted the farming agreement to be registered. We were willing to consider all that. We were also willing to resolve the apprehensions of the farmers about the Electricity Act, which has not yet been enacted. We have also assured them that they would get subsidies. We have sent point-wise replies to all the issues raised by the farmers to the farmer’s union. The GoI is willing to hold discussions with the farmers. The union should think and act for the benefit of farmers.
Q: But why are the farmers still adamant on repealing the act. What are the points of contention?
A: I leave it to your best judgement. I am grateful to the farmer’s union for maintaining law and order. I request them to continue to do so. From media reports, I understand that anti-social elements have started taking part in the protests. If that is so, there is a possibility that this will go out of hand, which would be against the interest of farmers. Our PM is duty-bound to the cause of farmers. This act is for their benefit. If they have any issue with any provision, the government is willing to make amendments, if necessary. So, I appeal to farmers to end their protest and find a solution through discussions.
Q: The farmers met you on the 8th. It seemed that the issues would be resolved. What went wrong?
A: There are a number of unions involved in this protest. That is why there is no consensus. I appeal to all unions to think only about the welfare of farmers and come for discussions with the government on what can be done for the farmers’ benefit through the act. The government is willing to hold discussions at all levels.
Q: What has been the response of the farmers to your proposal? How will this conflict end?
A: There is no conflict. The government is committed to the cause of farmers. This government has been working in this direction for the past six years. Modiji is the only PM who raised the MSP to one-and-a-half times of what it was. Farmers have been benefited by MSP during this regime. This government increased the volume of purchase of the government. We are planning to open 10,000 FPOs across the country. We have allotted a Rs 1.5 lakh crore fund for schemes under the Aatmanirbhar package. The benefits from these schemes will reach the grass roots. This is not a prestige issue for the government.
