In his first detailed interview since the repeal of three controversial agricultural law, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar spoke exclusively to News18.com on several issues. The minister said that despite the laws being withdrawn, they are vital to the government’s approach to uplift the lives of the people. farmers It was a tough decision. At the same time, he said, development has not discouraged the government in its mission to work for farmers, agriculture and villages. Tomar said that, in fact, the government is more determined to bring in more welfare measures in the agriculture sector. Edited excerpt:
You said that repeal of central agriculture laws was a step behind, but you said that the government is committed to the welfare of farmers. How are you going to make sure?
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government was, is and will remain committed to the welfare of farmers, the underprivileged and the villages. The repeal of the three agricultural laws does not mean that the welfare measures in the field of agriculture and for the farming community have stopped. However, in the last seven years, PM Modi has filled the gaps in the system to ensure effective implementation of pro-farmer policies and schemes.
Take the example of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. Around 11.75 crore farmers have got the benefit of Rs 1.82 lakh crore directly in their bank accounts. The process has been very transparent and we have ensured that middlemen are removed from the system.
We are ensuring that the amount under the central schemes reaches the beneficiaries without any leakage. 10,000 new FPOs are being created in the country at a cost of Rs 6,865 crore, which will benefit crores of small and medium farmers and improve their lives.
Till now our villages were devoid of basic facilities, but our Prime Minister has ensured that a special package of Rs 1 lakh crore will be imposed for the development of such facilities for the farmers under the self-reliant India campaign. With these concrete steps, our government will ensure the welfare of farmers and development of the agriculture sector.
Which is the most revolutionary agriculture scheme implemented by the Narendra Modi government for the agriculture sector?
There are schemes that include PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, creation of 10,000 new FPOs, and creation of an agriculture infra fund of Rs 1 lakh crore. Apart from these, we are also trying to implement PM Modi’s vision of developing ‘Smart Agriculture’ in the country. The Digital Agriculture Mission and the use of technology in farming will ensure that our agriculture sector is revolutionised. These schemes will ensure the welfare of the farmers and increase their revenue.
Can you elaborate on ‘smart farming’ which has been appreciated by the Prime Minister recently?
‘Smart farming’ is being developed under the vision of PM Modi. All governments discuss issues and policies before budget but this is the first time that all ministries have organized webinars with stakeholders and experts to ensure better budget planning. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has taken the suggestions of the stakeholders and developed a Smart Agriculture Policy in consultation with other Ministries. Under the strategy, farming will be developed using modern, mechanized, self-sustaining and adaptable technology. The Prime Minister spoke about the strategy in a webinar on February 24, 2022. According to the PM’s address, five main issues have been set for developing smart farming: organic farming and improving its accessibility, developing high-tech and digital ecosystem. Bringing back the lost glory of nutrition in our food grains and ensuring self-sufficiency in edible oils, promoting the cooperative sector, creating value chain infrastructure and creating investment opportunities in agriculture related activities.
Was repeal of agricultural laws a difficult decision? The report of the Supreme Court-mandated committee on agricultural laws showed that most of the farmers were in his favour.
It would not be appropriate to comment on the SC committee report. As far as repeal of agriculture laws is concerned, PM Modi himself had said that it was a tough decision. However, while celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav of Azadi, the government wanted to respect the sentiments of all communities and groups in the country.
Do you think the withdrawal of agriculture laws has had any impact on Punjab and Uttar Pradesh assembly elections?
I don’t think the withdrawal of agriculture laws has any effect on these assembly elections. Some parties and forces were trying to use the farmers as crutches and were dreaming of weakening the Bharatiya Janata Party. However, people have rejected the efforts of such forces. We made a strong comeback in Uttar Pradesh. At the same time, BJP governments in Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur have also returned with a majority.
By when can we expect the MSP committee to be formed? Will other issues also be raised?
The process of committee formation is already underway. The government has already announced that all issues will be taken up by this committee.
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