Indian farm reforms 2020

Indian farm reforms 2020

The Indian farm reforms of 2020 refer to three agricultural bills passed by the Parliament of India on 27 September 2020. The bills collectively seek to provide farmers with multiple marketing channels and provide a legal framework for farmers to enter into pre-arranged contracts. Protests against the acts picked up in September 2020, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, where farmers have been at the forefront.

About Indian farm reforms 2020 in brief

Summary Indian farm reforms 2020The Indian farm reforms of 2020 refer to three agricultural bills passed by the Parliament of India on 27 September 2020. The bills collectively seek to provide farmers with multiple marketing channels and provide a legal framework for farmers to enter into pre-arranged contracts. Protests against the acts picked up in September 2020, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, where farmers have been at the forefront. Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the bills as a watershed moment in the history of Indian agriculture that will empower crores of farmers. The government, however, maintains that they will make it effortless for Farmers to sell their produce directly to big buyers.

Controversy surrounding minimum support prices, the effect on middlemen, loss of states’ revenue and low bargaining power of the farmers are some of the fears that have led to the opposition to the bill. A state-led attempt in Bihar to deregulate APMCs has not resulted in an increase in farmers’ income or improved infrastructure. The Sanghatana of farmers in Maharashtra wants the market to play its role to decide prices of agri commodities. The RSS-affiliated Bharati Kisan Sangh is planning an agitation demanding that government give freedom to farmers and stop intervening in the agri commodity market so that farmers will not have to depend on MSP.