The agrarian reforms initiated by the Center are aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes and can be improved if unions agitating against the New laws accept resume discussions with the government, BJP Veteran and minister of roads, trucking and MSMEs, Nitin Gadkari tells TOI. Excerpts from the interview:
Some sectors of farmers have intensified their uproar against farm laws and the stagnation continues. Wich is the way to go?
We have said time and again that the government is ready for talks and we are open to dialogue. The government will address your concerns and is open to accommodating suggestions that are Okay for farmers. Communication and dialogue must continue. We can go clause-by-clause discussing the three laws with the farmers’ leaders.
How do you see the next rounds of conversations?
As I said, the dialogue must continue. By talking and understanding the concerns of others, we can find a solution. I am hopeful for a positive outcome of the talks and we are committed to protecting the interests of farmers.
The protesters have been claiming that those who made the laws do not know about the farmers’ problems. What is your answer?
In a democracy, people have the right to express their opinions. But let’s consider our track record in addressing farmers’ concerns. In the past six years, we have continuously increased the minimum support price and the acquisition of crops has increased. We have made various decisions, such as increasing the irrigation of farmland, providing crop insurance and financial assistance to farmers. This government has taken the maximum measures that benefit the farmers of independent India. At the same time, we are open to new ideas for improvement.
The agitators have claimed that the government introduced these laws to benefit corporate companies. What is your view?
The core of all these laws is to protect the interests of farmers, increase their income. The farmer now has more options to sell his product. You can sell your products at the APMC or abroad and it is your choice to sell your products for a better price. Does getting better prices benefit farmers or companies? I have come across a number of questions about farmers’ apprehensions of companies taking over their land if they opt for contract farming. Let me ask you a question. When you book an Ola or Uber taxi for a ride, there is also a contract between you and the service provider to transport you from point A to B for a price. But do you become the owner of that taxi? Second, contract farming has been successful in many states. This will help farmers who do not have the capital to invest in agriculture.
There is an opinion that ulterior motives are trying to hijack the farmers’ protest.
I saw some of the photos and video clips on TV channels. I am surprised to see those photos and videos. What is the link of these people and the demand for their release with the protest of the peasants? How are they affected by farm laws? Farmer organizations must be aware of these elements. We are concerned about farmers and we are ready to solve problems through dialogue. Others are trying to push their own agenda and farmers need to be aware of this.
.
