Measures would be true game-changers in the agriculture sector – Dr Niranjan Hiranandani

New Delhi, May 16, 2020:  Various government measures which includes the amendment to the Essential Commodities Act, removing the interstate barriers and opening up the sale of farm produce to the open market would be a true game-changer in the agriculture sector and would benefit the smaller farmers in the long run, stated Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, president, ASSOCHAM.

According to Dr. Hiranandani, at the moment, farmers face a lot of restrictions and uncertainty even after harvesting a bumper crop. “Now with changes in the legal framework, farmers would no longer be forced to sell their produce only to a handful of people but will be free to sell it to the higher bidder anywhere in the country. This is a huge step in empowering the farmers and ensuring higher income,” He explained.

He affirmed that by amending the Essential Services Act, a lot of investments would be coming to the agriculture sector. “A lot of global companies would be keen to tie up with farmers and ensure a fair price for their efforts. Once the crop is ready, they can export the same without any restriction. This would lead to job creation and boost the agriculture sector. This would also tackle the issue of the abundance of crops during the bumper season which were getting wasted due to lack of buyers,” Dr. Hiranandani explained.

Dr. Hiranandani stated that the country also needed a robust post-harvest management system which the finance minister has addressed in her announcement. “Steps like promoting organic farming in clusters, promotion to sectors like animal husbandry, fisheries and herbal cultivation would ensure that the locally-made products would reach global markets,” he said.

“Cattles supplement the farm income and provide a livelihood to hundreds of farmers during occasions of crop failure. We also appreciate the government’s steps to ensure mass vaccinations to all cattle in the country,” he added.

Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)