Agriculture sector is considered to be the backbone of the Indian economy. We are an agrarian economy and therefore the responsibility lies with the Central and State Governments to help develop the agricultural sector.
Government websites display various schemes introduced for the welfare of farmers. However, the schemes on paper are not implemented holistically and as true of all government schemes, lack simplified procedures. This may be the key reason for the grave situation of farmers in India today. It is painful and disheartening to hear and read stories of farmers committing suicides, almost everyday in various states. Farmers are protesting all over the country. This is a matter of concern for our country today.
The 2014 NDA’s election campaign centered around farmers’ welfare. However, as true of manifestos of political parties, there was nothing for farmers — hollow words not turned into action.
Every politician knows the key to win election is by promising good times and then after winning the elections, they let down the citizens. Politicians, know the mindset of people, that they do tolerate dishonesty and lies and so they can easily fool the voters. We cannot believe and pin our hope on politicians, assuming they will deliver its promises.
In reality the Government has done nothing for our farmers. Loan waiver schemes are just an attempt, an eyewash and merely a publicity stunt to show that Government is trying to save the lives of the farmers. Over the years, several farmers have committed suicides. The Government has never looked into this matter seriously. It is an urgency to recognise the sensitivity of the national issue and work towards eliminating the root cause of the problem in order to control cases of farmers’ suicides and make their lives more sustainable and comfortable.
Relief measures like agriculture debt waiver and debt relief schemes initiated by the Government are not satisfactory. Government should focus on helping the farmers to increase rich productivity and income which yield into the desired results by bringing in advance technology and modern methods of farming.
If we survive or have good food to eat is because the poor farmer grows crops, risking all that he possesses, hoping for small returns, in order to feed the whole world. Farmers are the founders of human civilization. We have to honour and respect their efforts for the major role they play in building the economy of our nation. Unfortunately, farmers do not even get due respect for serving the humanity.
Another big challenge that our Government is facing in recent times is to preserve our green spaces. Acquiring agricultural land for the purpose of developing infrastructure like airports, expansion of roads, highways, industrial estates and housing estates should be controlled by the Government. It is the need of the hour that we protect our farmlands and promote farming for the food security in future. Selling of fertile land should be curtailed by the Government. Politicians are in hurry to sell every square inch of fertile land to the builder lobby.
