Agricultural reforms will increase farmers’ incomes, says the prime minister amid a protest.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that new agricultural laws enacted by the central government a few months ago will help break down barriers between the agricultural and associated sectors, creating new markets for farmers who will benefit from technological advances and investments.
The Prime Minister said that when one sector grows, its effect is seen in various other sectors.
“But imagine what would happen when unnecessary walls were erected between industries. No industry will grow as fast as it should,” Prime Minister Modi said today at the 93rd Annual Virtual Convention of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
He then pointed specifically towards the controversial agricultural laws enacted by the central government in September.
“Agriculture and its related sectors, such as agricultural infrastructure, food processing, warehousing and cold chains, had seen walls between them. Now these walls are being removed. These reforms will give farmers new markets, advantages of technology and will help attract investment. Farmers in my country who will benefit the most from all this, “he said.
He continued on the issue of barriers in various industries saying that what is required in the Indian economy is not walls, but more and more bridges to help support each other.
Thousands of farmers across the country, especially those in Punjab and Haryana, have protested in recent weeks against three central government farm laws passed in September, gaining the support of many political parties. Several rounds of talks with the central government have failed to break the deadlock, and farmers seek the complete repeal of all three laws.
Speaking further at the Ficci event, the prime minister sought industry investment in the villages and small towns of India because that’s where growth in the 21st century will come.
“Now farmers have the option to sell their products in mandis as well as third parties. These efforts are aimed at increasing farmers’ income, “he said.
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