Shimla, Jan 14,
The Himachal Pradesh Kisan Sabha (HKS) has accused the Central government of attempting to reintroduce the repealed farm laws through policy measures in BJP-ruled states. Speaking about it, HKS President Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar stated that the government, after failing to enforce the controversial laws through Parliament, is now using backdoor methods to favor big corporations.
Dr. Tanwar alleged that these policy decisions are aimed at bypassing market restrictions and creating opportunities for corporate entities in agriculture. He warned that such measures would harm small and marginal farmers, particularly those in BJP-ruled states and alliances where the central government wields considerable influence.
HKS and other farmers’ unions are preparing to resist these moves. “We will organize farmers in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana to oppose these policies,” Dr. Tanwar said, emphasizing that North Indian farmers had earlier united to force the government to repeal the laws. A Nationwide movement is now in the works to consolidate farmer support against the alleged policy decisions.
Dr. Tanwar also highlighted the plight of small and marginal farmers, especially those with landholdings smaller than five bighas. He cited studies indicating that a minimum of 20 bighas is required for viable farming. Many small-scale farmers, he claimed, are being displaced under the guise of anti-encroachment drives, even after paying revenue on non-forest lands.
Market forces have added to the farmers’ woes, with rising costs of fertilizers, machinery, and other inputs making farming increasingly unprofitable. Additionally, delays in crop payments and the growing presence of unauthorized middlemen have resulted in widespread losses and cheating, particularly among apple growers in Himachal Pradesh.
The import of foreign apples has further destabilized the apple industry, making it unprofitable for local farmers. Dr. Tanwar accused the government of failing to protect domestic producers, thereby jeopardizing the livelihood of apple growers.
HKS is working on initiatives to support farmers, including strategies to consolidate smaller landholdings. The organization reiterated its commitment to opposing policies that harm farmers and vowed to continue its fight for their rights and sustainability.
