“Now all of a sudden a web of doubts and lies is launched as efforts are made to serve certain political interests. Farmers’ shoulders are being used to shoot, ”the prime minister said, attacking opposition parties, which, he said, had not implemented significant reforms during his tenure. “They have no answer to our question about which clause is a problem … tell us,” he added.
The prime minister’s speech came as the uproar launched by the Punjab, Haryana and West UP unions is in its third week and saw him vigorously defend farm laws as he said farmers should have the option to sell to buyers who offer a better price. Without naming Congress, he said previous governments had the opportunity to implement the Swaminathan Commission report on farm income, but it was the NDA that “dusted off the files” and did. He said congressional governments promised loan waivers in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan just to betray farmers.
Modi said that a “big lie” that the MSP was being discontinued was being spread by parties that did not act in the interests of farmers when they were in office and this was repeated over and over again to cast doubt among farmers. He compiled statistics to show how payments to farmers, as well as the volume of purchases, had increased after NDA took office and said the MSP had expanded to new crops.
Addressing virtually MP farmers, the prime minister made it clear that while the government was willing to involve unions that opposed agricultural reforms, it was unlikely to stop them. “If someone still has any concerns, then with bowed head and hands together, and in all humility, we are willing to discuss all issues with them and allay their fears,” he added.
He said that Indian farmers could no longer wallow in backwardness as agriculture progressed around the world. “What should have been done 25-30 years ago is being done now. We have acted on what was being discussed for years. These new laws are not overnight, all central and state governments have discussed and considered these measures, “he said.” The problem is why Modi should get the credit … I don’t want credit, you take it, “he said. Loan exemptions basically referred to canceling loans for some large farmers, he added.
“The three agricultural laws are beneficial for farmers and important for the development of agriculture in our country. The laws should have been enacted 25-30 years ago, but previous governments only mentioned them in their manifestos … Our intentions are as pious as the holy Ganges and Narmada rivers. Every step we take is in the interest of farmers, ”said the prime minister.
He said the PM Kisan program will mean the transfer of billions of rupees to farmers without a “cut-off culture” and said this was several times more than a 50 billion rupee loan exemption once every five years.
Modi said the opposition was spreading hoaxes about the closure of the MSP system. “There can be no bigger lie than this. In the previous government, the MSP for wheat was Rs 1,400 per quintal, now it is Rs 1,975 per quintal, and the MSP for rice has risen from Rs 1,310 per quintal to Rs 1,870, ”he added.
The prime minister said the “second biggest lie” was that the mandis would be shut down. “Six months have passed since the agricultural laws were implemented, but not a single mandi has been closed in the country. We are making APMC stronger and more robust with an expenditure of Rs 5,000 crore. Everything that is said about closing APMC is wrong ”, he assured.
The new laws on contract farming were meant to empower and protect farmers, the prime minister said. “We have made sure that under the new laws, whoever signs the agreement does not escape their responsibility. The sponsor has to pay a heavy fine to the farmer if he terminates the contract, while a farmer can terminate the contract on his own without any sanction. The new strict regulations are for sponsors and not for farmers, ”he said.
“Currently, Rs 1.6 billion is transferred to farmers’ accounts of more than 35 lakh, without intermediaries or intermediate cuts. It has been possible thanks to the system created in India in the last 5-6 years, which is being applauded around the world ”, he added.
Cold stores, warehouses and other agriculture-related infrastructure worth Rs 70 million were also inaugurated. Approximately 2,000 fishermen and ranchers received Kisan credit cards.
“Doubling the income of farmers is the determination of PM Modi. New farm laws have made farmers independent. Now they can sell their products as they please, anywhere. Removing the stock limit will lead to more acquisitions and farmers will get more profit, ”said CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
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