Manoj P
Maharaja Institute of Technology, Mysore
Hello readers,
Today I am presenting a short story which covers some important questions like:
- WHAT IS AGRICULTURE ?
- WHY IT IS IMPORTANT?
- WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS OF FARMERS?
- WHAT ARE THE SCHEMES AND FACILITIES A FARMER CAN AVAIL FROM THE GOVERNMENT?
I am Manohar(name changed), a government official who is in charge of the agricultural development department of our region and I am very proud of and passionate about my job. My father was impressed by a kind officer in a movie , even though he could not remember the movie name but he wanted me to become an officer like him. So for this reason my father never ever wanted me to get disturbed from studies. So as per his wishes I fulfilled the dream and I am presently working as Agricultural officer in my native village.
One day a person who is my relative (he is actually a farmer) came to me and asked for a kind of work which changed my mindset and gave me the opportunity to achieve the purpose of my post and use the knowledge I had gained. That day I came to know the innocence and helplessness of my farmer friends which may be the situation of most of the farmers—having no access to even the basic facilities provided by the government since the facilities are not reaching every farmer. That day I pledged that Farmers of not only my village but the entire country should be made aware of their rights.
One day there was farmers day celebration in our office and I thought that this was a good time to address the farmers about their rights and about the facilities that they can avail by virtue of being a farmer . So for this time we had decided to invite all the farmers of our region and the students of various standards such as from higher secondary to professional course students and I invited my friend Narayan (name changed) who is a Lawyer in a City as the chief guest.
We got very good number of audience and we finished our celebration and started to address the audience..
Me : “Today we are celebrating farmers’ day in our village. On this special occasion we shall discuss about the relationship between agriculture, law, government and farmers”
(one school boy stood up and said)
boy : “what is agriculture?“
another boy : “what is the importance of that?“
Me : “Agriculture is the science and art of cultivating plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key for development which lead to the rise of human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surplus that enabled people to live in cities.”
Another college student : “how and when it started?”
Me : “Agriculture began thousands of years ago. After gathering wild grains beginning at least 1,05,000 years ago, nascent farmers began to plant them around 11,500 years ago. Pigs, sheep and cattle were domesticated over 10,000 years ago. Plants were independently cultivated in at least 11 regions of the world. Industrial agriculture based on large-scale monoculture in the twentieth century came to dominate agricultural output, though about 2 billion people still depended on subsistence agriculture into the twenty-first.”
“For decades, agriculture has been associated with the production of essential food crops. At present, agriculture above and beyond farming includes forestry, dairy, fruit cultivation, poultry, beekeeping, mushroom, etc. Today, processing, marketing, and distribution of crops and livestock products, etc. are all acknowledged as part of current agricultural regime. Thus, agriculture could be referred to as the production, processing, promotion, and distribution of agricultural products.”
Another College Student : “What are the advantages of Agriculture for a country?”
Me : ” well done, very good question. Agriculture plays a critical role in the entire life of a given economy. Agriculture is the backbone of the economic system of India. In addition to providing food and raw material, agriculture also provides employment opportunities to a very large percentage of the population. Let me tell you about few factors as to why agriculture is important:
- Source of Livelihood
Most people’s main source of livelihood is farming. About 70% of people rely directly on agriculture as a livelihood.
- Supply of Food as well as Fodder
The agricultural sector provides fodder for domestic animals. The cow provides people with milk which is a form of protective food. Moreover, livestock also meets people’s food requirements.
- Significance to the International Trade
Agricultural products like sugar, tea, rice, spices, tobacco, coffee, etc. constitute the major items of exports of countries that rely on agriculture.
- Contribution to National revenue
Agriculture is the main source of national income for most developing countries.
- Source of Raw Material
The main source of raw materials for major industries such as cotton and jute fabric, sugar, tobacco, edible as well as non-edible oils is agriculture. Moreover, many other industries such as the processing of fruits as well as vegetables and rice husking get their raw material mainly from agriculture.
- Foreign Exchange Resources
The nation’s export trade depends largely on the agricultural sector. For example, agricultural commodities such as jute, tobacco, spices, oilseeds, raw cotton, tea as well as coffee accounts for approximately 18% of the entire value of exports of a country.
- Great Employment Opportunities
Construction of irrigation schemes, drainage system as well as other such activities in the agricultural sector is important as it provides larger employment opportunities. The agriculture sector provides more employment opportunities for the labour force. This, in turn, reduces the high rate of unemployment in developing countries caused by the fast-growing population.
- Food Security
A stable agricultural sector ensures a nation of food security. The main requirement of any country is food security. Food security prevents malnourishment that has traditionally been believed to be one of the major problems faced by developing countries.”
One illiterate Farmer : “We didn’t know this before sir, thank you.”
Me : “Now our chief guest, my friend, will share some information on the farmers rights.”
Narayan :”Greetings to my dear students and respected farmers , thank you for having me at this event and it is my pleasure to share some information with you. Bearing in mind the advantages of agriculture it is our duty to improve and provide support for agricultural sectors. Now let us take a look at what are all the legal supports we can get for agriculture.”
(Narayan had brought some banners with slogans)
FARMERS’ RIGHTS IN INDIA
Narayan : “To accelerate agricultural development, it is necessary to protect plants breeders’ rights to stimulate investment for research and development for the development of new plant varieties. Such protection is likely to facilitate the growth of the seed industry which will ensure the availability of high quality seeds and planting material to the farmers. India having ratified the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of the Intellectual Property Rights has to make provision for giving effect to the said agreement. To give effect to the aforesaid objectives the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 has been enacted in India. For the purposes of this Act, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority has been established and is located in New Delhi.”
Another college student : “Sir, what are the features of Farmers’ Rights according to this legislation?”
Narayan : “The salient features of Farmers’ Rights as described in PPV&FR Act, 2001 are as follows:
A farmer who has bred or developed a new variety shall be entitled for registration and other protection in like manner as a breeder of a variety under this Act. The farmer’s variety shall be entitled for registration if the application contains declarations as specified in clause (h) of subsection 18.”
The same student : “Can you elaborate on this?”
Narayan : “Of course my friend. A farmer who is engaged in the conservation of genetic resources of land races and wild relatives of economic plants and their improvement through selection and preservation shall be entitled in the prescribed manner for recognition and reward from the Gene Fund, provided that material so selected and preserved has been used as donors of genes in varieties registrable under this Act. A farmer shall be deemed to be entitled to save, use, sow, resow, exchange, share or sell his farm produce including seed of a variety protected under this Act in the same manner as he was entitled before this act came into being. This is very important and unique part of the Indian legislation for PVP. The Act does not permit the farmers to sell branded seed of a variety protected under this Act.”
Me : “Narayan explain them the various rights emerging from the act so that they can get a clearer picture.”
Narayan : “Sure Manohar, with pleasure.”
(He raised another banner and started to explain)
Narayan : “There are different Kinds of Farmers Rights under PPV&FR Act.”
- Right on Seed
This right includes the right to save the seed from one’s crop and use the saved seed for sowing, exchanging, sharing or selling to other farmers. It is fundamental to the conservation role performed by farmers. Farmers are not allowed to sell the branded seed of variety protected under this Act. Branded seed means any seed put in a package or any other container and labelled in a manner indicating that such seed is a variety protected under this PPV&FR Act.
- Farmers’ Right to Register Traditional Varieties
The PPVFR Act allows the registration of traditional varieties or farmers’ varieties. Registration of the variety grants PBR on the variety, which allows exclusive legal right to the PBR-holding farmers to produce and market his seed.
A college student : “What is PBR?”
Me : “It stands for Plant Breeder’s Right.”
Narayan : “Also, farmers are awarded PBR by the Act on their recognition as breeders.”
A villager : ” Sir, are we eligible for this?”
Me : “Every one in this village is eligible for this, but you have to follow a procedure.”
Narayan : “Farmers need not have to pay any fee either to register their varieties or to renew these registrations. This is a major incentive to the innovative breeders among farmers. On the contrary, professional breeders and public research institutions are required to pay separately Rs.5,000 to 10,000 as registration and renewal fees.”
A college drop out farmer :”We also should start this in our village.”
Me : “That’s great!”
Narayan : “According to the Act, a National Gene Fund is to be created to facilitate reward and recognition to eligible individual farmers and communities.”
A villager : “Any one of us can get this reward?”
Me : “Even this school boy can get, but you have to work properly and should get very good results.”
(Two farmers were sitting quietly at a far distance)
Me : “Why are you sad brothers?”
(They both said together in a low voice)
Farmers :”We didn’t get good yield and lost all our savings.”
Me : “Don’t worry, You can get compensation for that!”
Narayan : “this brings me to the next important right under the Act:
- Farmers’ Right to get Compensation for the Loss suffered from the Registered Variety
The primary purpose of registration of a plant variety under this Act is to establish exclusive commercial right on the variety. This Act has a provision to check unfair marketing practices by breeders and their seed sellers.
If seed/propagating material fails to provide such performance under such given conditions, the farmer or group of farmers or organization of farmers may claim compensation in prescribed manner before the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Right Authority. The Authority will direct the breeder of the variety to pay the authority to the concerned party.
Farmers : “Then kindly help us, we will be grateful to you.”
Me : “With pleasure!”
Narayan : Let us continue with the other rights:
- Farmers’ Right for Receiving Free Services
Considering the poor economic capability of farmers and with a view that this economic weakness shall not be a hurdle for accessing farmers’ rights, the PPVFR Act totally exempts farmers from paying any fees.
A villager : “meaning?”
Narayan : “This exemption is applicable to individual, group or community of farmers. The exemption includes the fees required to be paid to the Registrar of Plant Varieties for registration of farmers’ varieties, for conducting tests on them, for the renewal of registrations and the fees prescribed for opposition, benefit claim. This exemption, however, does not include fee on lawyers privately hired by farmers to represent them at the Tribunal or Appellate Board or Courts.”
A college student : “In my native place, one of the farmers got arrested for violation of Breeder’s Rights. How can we overcome this issue?”
Narayan : “We can safeguard ourselves with the help of:
- Farmers’ Right for Protection Against Innocent Infringement
About 75% of the Indian population is involved in agriculture. The literacy percentage of rural population is very low. Considering the educational status of the farmers, the Section 42 of the Act provides safeguard against innocent infringement. The farmer who unknowingly violates the Breeders’ Rights shall not be punished if he can prove that he in innocent. This type of protection is available for the first offence. The farmer will be prone to punishment for any subsequent infringements.
Me : “Narayan I think this is enough for them.”
Narayan : “Okay , thank you everyone for giving me this opportunity to exchange valuable information with you . JAI JAWAAN JAI KISSAN .”
Me : “Now we came to main point of the today’s discussion that is role of government in the development of agriculture. Government provides various facilities and schemes to encourage farmers to develop and improve agricultural practices.“
FACILITIES AND SCHEMES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT
A college student : “Sir, is there any insurance schemes for farmers?”
Me : “Yes, it is called PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA (PMFBY). It has many objectives like providing insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crop as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases, stabilising the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming, encouraging farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices and ensuring flow of credit to the agriculture sector.”
A villager : “Sir, we recently heard about funding from government. What is that?”
Me : “It is PM-KISAN Scheme. PM Kisan is a Central Sector scheme with 100% funding from Government of India. It has become operational from 1.12.2018. Under the scheme an income support of 6,000/- per year in three equal instalments will be provided to small and marginal farmer families having combined land holding/ownership of upto 2 hectares. Definition of family for the scheme is husband, wife and minor children.”
“State Government and UT administration will identify the farmer families which are eligible for support as per scheme guidelines. The fund will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. The first instalment for the period 1.12.2018 to 31.03.2019 has been provided in the financial year itself. There are various Exclusion Categories for the scheme.”
A villager(a money sounded person) : ” Can everyone access this fund?”
Me : “There are some Exclusions. Categories of beneficiaries of higher economic status shall not be eligible for benefit under the scheme such as all Institutional Land holders, farmer families which belong to the following categories:
i) Former and present holders of constitutional posts
ii) Former and present Ministers/ State Ministers and former/present Members of Lok Sabha/ Rajya Sabha/ State Legislative Assemblies/ State Legislative Councils, former and present Mayors of Municipal Corporations, former and present Chairpersons of District Panchayats.
iii) All serving or retired officers and employees of Central/ State Government Ministries /Offices/Departments and its field units Central or State PSEs and Attached offices /Autonomous Institutions under Government as well as regular employees of the Local Bodies(Excluding Multi Tasking Staff /Class IV/Group D employees)
vi)All superannuated/retired pensioners whose monthly pension is Rs.10,000/-or more(Excluding Multi Tasking Staff / Class IV/Group D employees) of above category
v) All Persons who paid Income Tax in last assessment year
vi) Professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and Architects registered with Professional bodies and carrying out profession by undertaking practices.”
A villager(school teacher) : “Sir, what is Krishi Vikas Yojana? What are its objectives?”
Me : “The main objective of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is to develop farming as a main source of economic activity. Some of the objectives also include: Risk mitigation, strengthening the efforts of the farmers along with promoting agri-business entrepreneurship through the creation of agri-infrastructure. Providing all the states with autonomy and flexibility in making plans as per their local needs. Helping farmers in increasing their income by encouraging productivity and promoting value chain addition linked production models.”
“To reduce the risk of farmers by focusing on increasing the income generation through mushroom cultivation, integrated farming, floriculture, etc. Empowering the youth through various skill development, innovation and agri-business models.”
Narayan : “Manohar , you should tell them about Krishi Bhagya.”
Me : “Sure, the Government of Karnataka launched Krishi Bhagya Scheme exclusively for the dry-land farmers who rely on the annual rainfall for their farming. Since a majority of Karnataka’s agricultural land (over 70 per cent) is rain-fed, farming activities on those dry lands become challenging during erratic rainfall period. To ensure irrigation for sustainable agriculture, Krishi Bhagya Scheme was started. This scheme incorporates effective rainwater conservation measures to improve productivity. The government has aided over one lakh farmers in the rain-fed areas of 131 taluks in 25 districts, extending financial assistance of ₹ 968.37 crores. The government is ambitious in revolutionising Karnataka’s agricultural sector. The implementation of the scheme primarily focuses on securing the farmer’s income by taking up on-farm rainwater conservation practices. It also encourages the farmers to adopt modern technologies for efficient use of water like constructing farm ponds (Krishi Honda).”
A college student : “Sir, is there any scheme for price related issues?”
Me : “Yes, we have scheme called Minimum Support Price (MSP).The Minimum Support Price is one of the important mechanisms developed and implemented jointly by the Central and State Government over years to avoid distress sale of agricultural produce. This is implemented for mandated crops like paddy, jowar Maize, Bajra, tur, green gram, black gram, soybean groundnut sunflower, Bengal gram and cotton. However, in Karnataka market intervention scheme for potato, onion etc. is in operation. Likewise, floor price scheme for selected commodities like tur, copra etc. is also being implemented.”
A student : “What is National Food Security Mission?”
Me : “In order to increase the productivity of farm produce and to give ultimate advantage to the farmers, the Government of India through Ministry of Agriculture has introduced various programmes in which National Food Security Mission (NSFM) is one of the major programme formulated to increase the productivity of pulses.”
Me : “We have another special scheme called “KRISHI KALYAN ABHIYAAN” under which farmers in select villages will be given assistance and advice on ways to improve farming techniques and raise their income. It aims to help farmers in 25 villages in each district identified in consultation with the Rural Development Ministry as per the direction of Niti-Aayog. Farm science centres called Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) will coordinate and implement the programme. As many as 111 officers have also been made in-charge of one district each for overall coordination and field-level monitoring. Among activities to be promoted under the programme include distribution of soil health cards to all farmers, 100 percent coverage of bovine vaccination for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in each village,100 percent coverage of sheep and goat for eradication of Petits ruminants (PPR), distribution of mini kits of pulses and oilseeds, distribution of horticulture agro forestry/bamboo plant at 5 per family. Besides, the programme will cover artificial insemination saturation, demonstrations of integrated cropping practice. In addition, demonstration programmes on micro-irrigation and integrated cropping practice will done so as to familiarise farmers with the latest techniques. Training programmes are being conducted in each of the villages by ICAR/KVSs for bee-keeping, mushroom cultivation and kitchen garden.”
A farmer : “Is there any concession in interests regarding loans?”
Me : “The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced modalities for providing 2 per cent interest subsidy on short-term loans of up to Rs 2 lakh for farmers engaged in fisheries and animal husbandry through Kisan Credit Card (KCC) . With this interest subvention, such farmers will get short-term loan of up to Rs 2 lakh at a concessional rate of 7 per cent. The interest subsidy scheme is applicable for loans taken during 2018-19 and 2019-20. Farmers paying the loans promptly will be eligible for another three per cent discount on the interest rate. This also implies that the farmers repaying promptly would get short-term loans at the rate of 4 percent per annum during 2018-19 and 2019-20.”
(It was already went 2-3 hours. By looking at his watch Narayan noticed me)
Me : “Okay , thank you everyone for giving me this opportunity to interact with you. Dear farmers and students, Law and Government are always there for us. Together we can build the nation in a better way. For doing so, we have to know our rights and achieve our goals. JAI JAWAAN JAI KISSAN , Thank you all.”
(After a few minutes, we heard a voice from the crowd)
A school boy(with a loud voice) : ” I will also become an ideal farmer.”
(Every one felt happy and we distributed sweets to the gathering and ended our farmers’ day celebration.)
From that day, many of our farmers and their children in our village are getting involved in various activities with us. Every student in our village is going to school every day with his/her own goals and maintaining gardens in their school. We are conducting various competitions and exhibitions on agriculture every year.
So finally, farmers and agriculture are the two main important aspects for a developing country like India and it is important to provide farmers with proper rights which can help them achieve their goals. It is also of utmost importance that various useful schemes and solutions are available for farmers’ problems so that they can develop which in turn develops the Nation.
SAVE FARMERS , SAVE LIVES
Thank you for reading …
REFERENCE:
https://raitamitra.karnataka.gov.in
