The President taking up the cause of the farmers

It is gratifying to note that our President Pratibha Patil has been highlighting the plight of the hapless farmers of our country. In her address to the nation on the eve of this year’s Republic Day, she took pains to draw the picture of the toiling sons of the soil producing foodgrains and other crops to feed the 130 crore people of the country. The farmers who are phenomenal to fill the tummies of the hungry masses are a despondent lot. But they are simple but proud people. They take loans from private financiers as well as from banks and co-operative institutions. When the crop fails, they cannot repay the money. Many of them, unable to stand the ignominy of the financiers attaching their house-buildings and land, have committed suicide. The President has called for a second green revolution that should bring prosperity for the farmers and the people.

In her address to the joint session of Parliament heralding the budget session also, the President has underscored the need for uplifting the farmers and the government’s resolve to address the issue. The Central Government plans to spend Rs 40,000 crore as special package for the ryots. Selected districts in the country, particularly those which have registered farmers’ suicides, would get Rs 25,000 crore for rehabilitation. Moreover, there is a food security mission to boost paddy production, where cultivation has been on the backburner.

Also, in States like Kerala, a special package should be devised to coax farmers and agricultural or neighbourhood groups to take up re-cultivation in paddy fields that were left fallow. Earlier, they were forced to give up paddy cultivation on account of heavy losses on account of hefty labour charge, increased prices of various inputs, and fall in prices of their agricultural produce. The procurement price, if at all announced once in a while, has not been sufficient to provide resources to the farmers for meeting their needs.

Now to prepare the uncultivated lands and paddy-fields require additional expenses. That is why Gandhiji Study Centre chairman P J Joseph has been insisting on a package for these farmers and groups. At least Rs 1,000 per hectare should be provided as assistance to re-launch paddy cultivation.

Kerala is a consumer State and its paddy production will never be sufficient to meet the rice requirements of the people. If the cultivable lands are profitably used, 20 per cent of the requirements can be met. The rest should be procured through the statutory rationing system as well as from the open market. The Central Government should not stand on ceremony and it should provide quantities of ration items as demanded by the State Government.----OJ