Will government be able to fulfil its 100-day agenda to empower farmers?

To empower farmers and boost the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare has launched a 100-day agenda under the Narendra Modi 3.0 government. The 100-day agenda - which follows the appointment of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Minister of Rural Development - covers the government's focus on a host of areas including advanced seeds, rice procurement, and pulses and edible oils. However, former Agriculture Secretary Siraj Hussain has dismissed the Modi government's plan, stating that "a 100-day agenda is not possible."

Agriculture 100-Day Agenda: How this initiative will focus on pulses and edible oils

The government has proposed a new policy targeting self-sufficiency in pulses by 2027. This policy focuses on two key areas: reducing edible oil imports and increasing ethanol supply. To achieve this goal, the government will implement various incentives and establish standard operating procedures (SOPs).

To enhance pulse production, the government plans to promote contract farming in collaboration with other ministries, potentially involving new countries. This plan will include a procurement guarantee scheme to increase the yield of tur and urad pulses.

Agriculture 100-Day Agenda: Rice procurement

The agenda outlines a government initiative to potentially procure the entire crop yield of rice. Farmers will be required to pre-register on a dedicated portal. Pre-registered farmers will also receive the full benefits of state schemes.

The Ministry will provide advanced seeds to farmers and ensure efficient procurement through the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Cooperatives. Central agencies like NCCF, NAFED, and other cooperatives will play a role in handling the procurement process.

Under this agenda, farmers will have the freedom to sell their produce elsewhere if they receive better prices outside the government procurement system. This move aims to ensure fair prices for farmers and boost their income.

Will the initiative be fulfilled by the govt?

In conversation with Zee Business, Former Agriculture Secretary Siraj Hussain cautioned against unrealistic expectations from the new government's 100-day agenda while acknowledging the government's past achievements. 

"The work which the government has not done in the last 10 years will not be done in 100 days. Surely, they must have done something like wheat procurement in previous records. But a 100-day agenda is not possible; this would be a misunderstanding," said Hussain.