What does the price Assurance Bill do for farmers?
This Bill relates to contract farming, providing a framework on trade agreements for the sale and purchase of farm produce. The Price Assurance Bill, while offering protection to farmers against price exploitation, does not prescribe the mechanism for price fixation.
Is the MSP Bill anti-farmer?
Opposition parties the bills are “anti-farmer” as the agriculture sector will be left to the fate of corporate interests. To the Centre’s “one nation, one market” call, the opposition sought “one nation, one MSP.” Bharatiya Janata Party National President JP Nadda, however, assured that the MSP system would stay.
Why are farmers protesting in Punjab and other states?
The government says the proposed laws are meant to help small and marginal farmers. However, the bills have triggered massive protests in agriculture-dependent states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana, where farmers fear the loss of livelihood.
An explainer on what the three controversial agriculture bills are and why they are being contested
Two of the three controversials Bills on agriculture reforms are set to become law after being passed by the Rajya Sabha on September 20.
Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020
It aims at opening up agricultural sale and marketing outside the notified Agricultural Produce Market Committee or APMC mandis for farmers. It removes barriers to inter-State trade and provides a framework for electronic trading of agricultural produce.
Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020
This Bill relates to contract farming, providing a framework on trade agreements for the sale and purchase of farm produce.
Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance
The Bill is meant to replace an ordinance promulgated in June, in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown.
What is the purpose of the Farmer’s Produce Trade and Commerce Bill?
The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill seeks to give farmers the choice to sell their produce at competitive prices anywhere in the country. According to the government, the bill aims at creating an ecosystem where farmers and traders enjoy the freedom of choice relating to the sale and purchase of farm produce. This will facilitate remunerative prices through competitive alternative trading channels to promote efficient, transparent and barrier-free inter-state and intra-state trade, says the government.
What did Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh say about the easing of regulation of food items?
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, on the easing of regulation of food items said that it would lead to exporters, processors and traders hoarding farm produce during the harvest season when the prices are generally lower and releasing them later when the prices increase. He said that it could undermine food security since the states have no information about the availability of stocks within. Critics anticipate irrational volatility in the prices of essentials and increased black marketing of farm produce.
Does the Price Assurance Bill prescribe price fixation?
The Price Assurance Bill, while offering protection to farmers against price exploitation, does not prescribe the mechanism for price fixation. Thus, the apprehension that the private corporate houses could be given a free hand leading to exploitation of the farmers is on the rise.
