Twitter
Advertisement

Loan waivers for farmers a temporary necessity, not permanent solution: MS Swaminathan

The social prestige to farmers and farming should be enhanced, he said.

Latest News
article-main
MS Swaminathan
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Dr MS Swaminathan, who headed the National Commission on Farmers, emphasizes the need for concerted action by the Centre and states to address the problems faced by the agriculture sector. He says the blame game will not help. In an exclusive interview with Sanjay Jog, Dr Swaminathan speaks on a number of issues

What were the main recommendations of the National Commission on Farmers headed by you?

The main recommendation is to give an income orientation to farming and achieve a technological transformation of rural professions, so as to attract and retain youth in farming. These are all detailed in the National Policy for Farmers (NPF), which is available on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Do you think non-implementation of these recommendations has been the cause of continuous crisis in agriculture?

The continuous crisis in agriculture is largely because of climatic and economic factors. In the area of economics, the input-output pricing, and export-import policies have not been given the attention they need. On the technological side, there are controversies on the use of technologies like genetic modification. We need a regulatory system which inspires public, political and professional confidence.

Between 2006 and 2017 what has changed when it comes to agriculture?

The major changes are related to climatic factors, leading to more severe droughts and market factors where the cost-risk and return structure of farming has not been fully taken into account.

What is your view on the loan waivers being announced by state after state? 

Loan waivers may be a temporary necessity to revive farming, but should not become the solution to our agricultural problems. We have detailed solutions to the problem of farmer suicides in the National Commission on Farmers report.

What are the structural measures required to tackle the crisis in agriculture?

The structural measures relate to achieving synergy between technology and public policy. Public policy should include adequate attention with reference to pricing, procurement and public distribution. Also, the social prestige to farmers and farming should be enhanced. At the moment, it is low, as is clear from the fact that a farmer's work is seldom recognized through awards like the Padma awards.

Even though agriculture is a state subject, can Centre remain neutral during the crisis?

There is a need for concerted action by the Centre and states. The blame game will not help.

How do you see the changing pattern of food consumption impacting agriculture?

There is increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as milk, eggs and other animal products. The growth rate in this sector is higher than in the case of crops. This is good from the nutrition point of view. Also, this promotes crop-livestock integrated production systems which can enhance the income of farmers.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement