Agricultural Policy Changes due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The paper aims at representing the supportive steps taken by the government in favor of the Indian Agricultural sector during the COVID-19 crisis and the changes made in the APMC Laws by the state governments. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare launched some new features in the electronic-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) portal which will make it possible for farmers to sell their harvested crops without being physically present in the mandi and they can receive the payments online so that the risk for them of getting infected can be reduced. The Government has also passed some ordinances to allow farmers to do direct selling and facilitate contract farming. The Uttar Pradesh government has removed around 46 fruits from Krishi Utpadan mandi ordinance so that businessmen can purchase these products directly from farmers without being charged the mandi fee. The government also announced some changes in the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) which allows them to sell their produce at a gainful price and barrier-free trading over the states. But in the end, all these steps seem to be tilted towards the profit for the Agribusiness Companies. The Government also stated that farmers will be given Minimum Support Prices and is providing money under the PM-KISAN scheme although it is stated that these two were to be given even without lockdown so basically, some old points are again highlighted by the Government which is part of politics rather than remedial support for the needy farmers. But it should be kept in mind that a decline in the farmer’s income will also lead to a decline in India’s Economy. so all such steps should be taken after due consideration and discussion with the stakeholders.

Keywords: Agriculture, Farmers, COVID-19, Economy

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