Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar’s letter assured the farmers that the mandi will remain.
New Delhi:
An eight-page letter from the Union agriculture minister Narendra Tomar marked the beginning of the BJP’s large outreach program for protesting farmers today. The letter was published after a party meeting attended by its key leaders: Union Minister Amit Shah, his cabinet colleagues Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Sitharaman, Tomar and the head of the party, JP Nadda.
“Narendra Tomar Ji has expressed his feelings by writing a letter to the farmer brothers and sisters, trying to have a courteous dialogue. I ask all collaborators to read it. Compatriots are also urged to reach as many people as possible , “Tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In the letter, the government spoke of keeping communication with farmers open, but insisted that it would not contemplate any opposition agenda.
Reiterating that the opposition is misleading farmers about agricultural reforms, the government said: “In the last 20 to 25 years, show any statement by any farmer leader or organization that farmers should not have the option of getting better prices for their products. “.
The agricultural laws, heralded as major reforms in the sector, are aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes by freeing them from the clutches of middlemen and allowing them to sell products in any market anywhere in the country.
Farmers fear that the laws will eventually outweigh farm markets and the guaranteed prices offered by the government.
The letter also assured farmers that the agricultural markers or mandis where they obtain the Minimum Price of Support for their products will remain. The APMC is also getting stronger, the letter said.
He also addressed farmers’ other concern that their land may be taken away. “Farmers will own the land. Not an inch of the land will be taken away from them,” the letter said.
The government’s outreach program was part of its 10-point plan to deal with the farmers’ protest. There were also plans to create public opinion, with top party leaders and cabinet ministers talking about the benefits of farm laws in 700 districts.
However, the situation changed with the Supreme Court, which is hearing a handful of petitions about the protest, suggesting that the matter be turned over to a special commission. The committee, the court said, should have “independent members with knowledge of agriculture” who listen to both sides and present a report with their recommendations.
However, the letter did not contain any new proposals. The last one, rejected several times by the farmers, once even in writing, brought amendments to the laws.
The government, which has held five rounds of talks with farmers so far, told the high court today that they are adamant about repealing the laws and have a “yes or no position.”
The court downplayed his suggestion for a clause-by-clause discussion.
“We observed yesterday that the Center is unsuccessful in the negotiations. We do not believe that the farmers will accept its conclusions. Let the committee decide,” said Chief Justice of India Bobde.
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