END THE IMPASSE ! – Dr. Ashwani K. Malhotra
The impasse over the farmers agitation and the Government continues. For the last 20 days the farmers from most parts of the country have been protesting on the highways at the entry points to the Capital in the bitter cold, braving the icy winds, sleeping in their tractor trolleys and tents.
Over 30 farmers associations from various parts of the country have been spearheading this agitation for the repeal of the all farmer laws which were recently passed by the Government, which the Government has been persistently reiterating would benefit the entire farmer community.
Whereas almost all the opposition parties have supported the agitation, many trade unions have also lent their support against ‘ the privatization of agriculture trade’ which they allege would benefit a few business houses.
I am neither an agriculturist nor an economist and do not understand the nitty gritty of the reform laws and their impact on farmers, agriculture, economy and the common man. I am an ordinary citizen among the 135 crores of this country who is paying through his nose for agriculture produce.
The high prices we pay has made a hole in our household budgets hard. The farmers allege that they are getting a pittance for their produce. Why is there such a difference in the buy and sell prices? Who is pocketing the profit?
I can only hope that a solution be found soon, ending the deadlock. We have suffered enough during the Corona virus pandemic. Let us not suffer further.
Dr. Ashwani K. Malhotra