Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Eight points which must be followed

Sompal Shastri puts eight points which must be followed if something has to done

Thirdly, thoroughly researched models of integrated nutrient and pest management based on use of organic matter and biological controls have to be promoted through out the country.

Fourthly, a comprehensive livestock and biodiversity policy aiming at conservation and improvement of native breeds and varieties through selective breeding must be put in place and form part of the integrated farming systems.

Fifthly, the price policy, which has so far been favouring only a few crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane and cotton, and neglected the coarse grains, that are more nutritious and can be grown with lesser water, needs to be redesigned to make their cultivation equally profitable, if not more. Terms of trade for agriculture too warrant a correction.

Sixthly, all restrictions on trading, stocking, financing, movement and processing of agricultural products must be removed forth with to make India as one integrated market. Seventhly, the numbers dependent on agriculture have to be reduced by creating alternative job opportunities in rural areas and establishing facilities for technical and vocational education for enhancing skills and employability of rural youth.

And lastly, the multiplicity of Indian agriculture must be protected at all costs. We must be self sufficient in almost every item. Food security has to be an integral component of national security. Use of food as a weapon in international politics is not an unknown phenomenon. Our own experience tells that whenever we have deficit, prices in international markets go up.

On the international trade front, we must remain firm that unless the rich countries remove subsidies of all types to their agriculture, we shall continue to insulate our farmers against unfair foreign competition.


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.

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