BY: SHEETAL KHARKA

The Farmers movement reminds me of the time of 2011 when the Anti-corruption movement took place that was started by Anna Hazare, with the support of few influential leaders of that time to implement the Jan Lok Pal bill- the movement frizzed out - with people parting ways and a new political party, however, was formed - AAP ruling the capital of India as we speak!

In the case of the Farmers movement, it is - a call to not implement the Farmer’s Bill 2020 passed by the current government. It is being assumed and speculated that this farmer's movement is supported by the opposition party and therefore most farmers are from the Punjab state where there is seldom trace of BJP. With so many rumors about what is going wrong or perhaps not going in the right direction -what is it that despite the Modi government ensuring complete transparency in the agriculture sector that will benefit farmers; being opposed so drastically?  Why is there so much disparity in the perceptions of - Political leaders, Farmers, Businessmen, and normal Indian citizen? why are we making assumptions? why do farmers especially from Punjab dread that the private players will take away their lands?

There was unquestionably a need to come up with the ground-level story and meet simple farmers from nearby villages of Punjab and talk to a few citizens who have been following this movement. They believe if this continues may have a contrary impact on our economy - especially if the Tractor Rally takes place on the biggest day when India celebrates its 72nd Republic day! 

To begin with the story here, Farmers elucidated that this movement is not influenced by any political parties or any agenda, it is their own determination to fight for their right, further, they even said – “as much as unhappy they are with the current Modi Government- they are/were equally unhappy with the past ruling government i.e. Congress.” 

What I understood while I interacted with the farmers is their predominant concern of losing their lands to the third-party contractor - who they mostly refer to as Corporates/ Private companies.  They expressed their comfort in dealing with the 'arhtiyas' (traders) who they sell their produce to under the MSP, who further sells to different 'Mandies' - at whatever price, which doesn't concern farmers as long as they get their price. The farmers even know - if the 'arhtiyas' are removed, perhaps private players may give more money, but in the long run - it will not profit them at all. Another major benefit they derive from dealing with these 'arhtiyas ' is their long-standing relationship based on – “Trust & Faith” to borrowing money anytime under any circumstances. It is obvious from history that farmers who are uneducated have been borrowing money from such traders for marriages, education, and other emergencies like medical/hospitalization. Such borrowings - where there is no need for any paperwork, unlike financial institutions where it takes a long time for the loan to be processed with a lot of uncertainty of the loan be approved or no. The farmers seem to be very comfortable with these non-legally binding transactions but relationships. Farmers also fear that - even if the bill says -will protect them - what is the guarantee that the third party in the contract (which is undefined)-  will be on the same view of the qualities of the farm produce and on such reasons may offer low price / or refuse to buy? That eventually will make them succumb to such private players- leaving them with no supply - therefore we are very happy with agreeing to the MSP and dealing with 'arhtiyas'. 

While the bill proposes the contract farming under great circumstances, transparency, and benefits to the farmers - I come to the conclusion why is there no trust in the Modi ways of functioning - it's their past implementation strategy that failed to make lower-income / people below the poverty line giving confidence that they will be looked after.  We can take the occurrences of - demonization - that majorly impacted lower-income groups who were dealing with cash, while corporates did fairly. If we talk about our newest- Lockdown where there was a huge gap between what was promised and how it went about - impacting people of the lower-income group- less impact on the private and corporate - perhaps these are the implementations strategy that gives less confidence in the farmers.  Farmers think - Modi government supports private players more and, in my conversation, two giant's name was repeated - Adani and Ambani!  Therefore also, huge lack of confidence believing in the new committee being formed by the Supreme Court f India.

Why most of the farmers protesting are from Punjab?

Punjab by itself is the largest producer and contributor in the agricultural sector in India apart from contributing to Agri based industry, milk production, and industrial equipment manufacturing. It is the main source of food for India's household, employment for the rural population in the Punjab regions adding to our GDP growth. The top occupation of Punjab is - Agriculture- clearly, they say if this bill is implemented - Punjab will be affected the most.  Punjab, in history, has fought for the freedom of India and will fight time and again for their rights - so this is the ' Andolon" - their courage to stand tall as compared to other farmers from other states. They are also quite sure if this doesn't work out- India will face a food shortage - the farmers reminded me- it was Punjab who fed India during the year of 1950 food crisis. They feel this bill is not fair, not just for Punjab for all farmers across India and every Indian citizen.

What does a normal citizen think?

A normal citizen thinks it is not right whatever is happing in the name of movements - while in full support with the farmers, their agony and pain - they do not agree with the Tractor Rally planned. It will do nothing but trouble normal citizens, we will achieve nothing. The normal citizen urges farmers to have faith in the Supreme court of India and the committee. They want farmers to not take adverse steps and give time to the new committee.

As a concluding remark - I do feel, the Modi government must assure smooth implementation of this transition and win the faith of the farmers. This could be done in a couple of ways by adding a few members from the farmer's committee in the existing team, Implementation of a strong legal body to assist farmers in case of contract negotiations and thorough education to farmers on - Subject to and breach of contract clauses. 

It is anticipated that, if this movement is not handled well may perhaps give rise to yet another political party which I am told could be Bharatiya Kisaan Mazdoor Ekta Party.

I hope we will resolve in the most harmonious manner for the benefit of all Indian citizen – especially after what we have gone through fighting with the deadly virus!