It is important to give farmers the power of scale: MS Swaminathan

The Centre a short while ago ushered in agricultural internet marketing reforms offering farmers the selection to sell outside the controlled market yards (APMC mandis). Eminent agricultural scientist Prof M S Swaminathan, Chairman, Countrywide Commission on Farmers, claims agri-internet marketing reform steps are potentially beneficial, but there is even now a extended way to go in guaranteeing a good and reputable cost for producers. Excerpts from an e-mail conversation:

What are your sights on the agri-internet marketing reforms released by the Centre?

The agri-internet marketing reforms are potentially beneficial, but we even now have to go a extended way in guaranteeing that the main producer receives a good and reputable cost. We need to have to introduce a farmer-centric solitary-country internet marketing procedure.

How will these reforms impact farmers, particularly smaller farmers?

The monsoon and the market are the two important determinants of the well-being of the farmer. Thus, farmers will usually welcome reforms that improve their life and livelihoods.

There is a perception that with these reforms, farmers will be far more uncovered to market volatility. Will farmers be compelled to rely on earnings assistance than on cost assistance?

Marketplace volatility can be controlled by the governing administration. In any case, earnings assistance, which will be a source of reputable and steady earnings, will usually be superior for farming.

Farmer groups say these reforms will lead to corporatisation of Indian agriculture and to monopoly.

Reforms can usually support or hinder. It is our obligation to make certain that they support for this, some regulation in favour of the farmers is essential.

Will these reforms support farmers tide around the agrarian distress?

Agrarian distress is owing to lots of good reasons. What is important is to strengthen the basic infrastructure of agriculture, significantly post-harvest technological innovation and post-harvest management, which can give the smaller farmer some remaining power. More, equivalent to the Amul sample of milk cooperatives, it is important to give farmers the power of scale.