Agriculture is the backbone of Indian Economy. It contributes approx 19% GDP to country's economy. But in various parts of our country Many farmers are very poor only some of them are able to make money through agriculture. To boost agriculture and to enhance the growth of farmers ;Govt made some laws and reformed old farm bills in favour of farmers. After every 5 years new farm bill is sanctioned or made some reforms for sustainable development as well as enhancing the farmer's income. Every farm bill has unique title, new outcomes and roles. The bill which was enacted into law in 2018 was Agriculture improvement Act and it will expire in 2023.
The new farm bill which was passed in sept,2020 in both the Loksabha and Rajyasabha with good majority. This bill has led to a a large extent of protest all over the country especially in Haryana, Punjab, West UP etc. This farm bill mainly comprises of 3 bills which are as follows:- a. The Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce Bill,2020 b. The Farmer's Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm services bill,2020 c. The Essential Commodities Bill,2020 The Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce Bill allows barrier free inter and intra state trade. Earlier small or fragmented farmers were not able to sell their produce at large markets or mandis because of middleman. But after this law they will be able to directly sell their product through APMC in any state and they will be able to get the actual price of their produce . The Farmer's Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm services Bill will lead to contract farming to enhance the market area of small area farmers. In this farmers will allowed to enter into agreement with agriculture firms, exporters to sell their product directly .This law is not abolishing any kind of MSP but Farmers are not able to understand this and demanding to link the MSP with contract price. The Essential Commodities Act allows liberalization of regulatory and remove fears from private investors for excess regulation and to stock food articles freely. Under this amendment ,various cereals ,pulses ,oilseeds, onions and potatoes have been removed from essential commodities list. Encouragement for driven the investment in cold storage and to enforce a better supply chain management. But one draw back is always be available in India is Black marketing and Hoarding.
All these bills are somehow beneficial for Farmers ,little bit of implementation is needed like APMC should not be removed; it should be better regulated. Investment from both private and government sector should be encouraged. But all this implementation can be done by a meeting with government. The way Farmers have chosen is not good and creating hurdles for citizens too. In this pandemic situation last year they have gathered a large crowd which was also the big reason of spread of corona virus. Every big problem or dispute can solve in two way communication in a peaceful manner.