Govt incubation centres for famers’ agro-industries?

Dr Ashok Dalwai, Chairman of the Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income talks to Shilpa P. about the setting up of a directorate for agriculture and how to make farming lucrative.

Shilpa: What according to are the main reasons for the decline in farmer suicides this year?

Ashok Dalwai: During the pandemic, the agriculture sector saw a robust growth rate while all the other sectors showed a decline. Currently, it contributes to around 20 percent of the national GDP instead of hovering below 16 percent, as was the case pre 2019-20. During Covid, farmers focused on their agriculture and we achieved record production of food grains, fruits and vegetables. The government took care of agriculture and farmers through various measures, which has benefited them with better incomes, and helped the decline in farmers’ suicides.

CM Bommai is planning to form a directorate of agriculture. What should this directorate focus on?

There are several areas – comprehensive farming, secondary farming and secondary income sources for farmers. So far, we have been focussing on primary agriculture. This directorate would include various activities after the crop is produced. It will promote primary and secondary processing. Farmers will have the option to branch out to other activities like bee-keeping, backyard poultry, dairy, pickle making and papad making. They can opt for major activities too and be able to set up agro industries.

Curtailing the amount of produce that goes to waste is crucial…

Yes. All the produce going to waste can find use, generating employment and additional income for farmers. The directorate will work out funding plans for all these measures, from training and providing guidance to setting up incubation centres. This will go a long way towards reducing farmer suicides.

The rural credit system currently grants Rs 50,000 for 20 acres of land. What fiscal reforms are needed in the future?

The Government of India has been increasing allocations for the agriculture sector year after year. In 2021-22, the allocation for the agriculture sector was Rs 16.5 lakh crore, while it was Rs.8.5 lakh crore in 2014-15. We are making more and more funds available to farmers. The decline in unnecessary expenditure by farmers for lavish weddings and other events reduced during the lockdown.

What is the government doing for farmers’ families?

The PM Kisan Nidhi is meant to extend financial help, while the state government’s Vidya Nidhi is to support the education of farmers’ children. It is a good sign that these welfare measures are being introduced. Helping farmers requires a combined effort and a multipronged approach.