It is a matter of serious concern when we read reports of farmer's committing suicide due to financial burden resulting in poverty, hunger and eventually forcing them to commit such dastardly acts which sound barbaric in the present day scenario. One fails to understand as to how a farmer can starve when he is producing food grains? The procurement system of the government is to be blamed for this situation. If only the government encourages the farmer to sell his produce directly to the consumer through some system of co-operative movement, the farmers will stand to gain not only in terms of money but also help in eliminating the middle men engaged in this trade who create a situation of scarce and abundance to suit their pockets! The entire agriculture ministry can be dissolved and the minister shown the doors if only the farmers unite for their own cause and survival? Tamilnadu has shown that a direct meet between the farmers and the end consumers is possible through opening of "Uzhavar Sandhai" meaning Farmer's market by building facilities for exhibition and sale of the produce. By this method, the farmers are able to realise a better price for their produce. The end users stand to gain in terms of cheaper prices as it happens to be a direct sale! The central government should advocate this ideology and propagate the same so that the farmers are happy with their sales and spot realisation of money. The central government can also have a sigh of relief off loading one major ministry and a few central ministers from their piggy-back, saving considerable money! Will the centre act to benefit the farmers and to prevent further suicides amongst the agricultural community?
No comments:
Post a Comment