New Delhi (NVI): Two farm bills, aimed at transforming agriculture in the country and raising farmers’ incomes, were passed by the Parliament today.
The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 which were passed by Lok Sabha on 17th September 2020, were passed by the Rajya Sabha also today.
The Bills were introduced in Lok Sabha on September 14 by Union Agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar, to replace ordinances promulgated on 5th June 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said in a statement.
Amid opposition over the bills, the Agriculture minister again clarified that the procurement at Minimum Support Price will continue, and that the assurance for this has been given by Prime Minister himself. He added that rate of MSP has been increased considerably during 2014-2020 and MSP for coming Rabi season will be announced in coming week.
He said that full protection has been ensured to farmers in these legislations.
Under the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, the new legislation will create an ecosystem where the farmers and traders will enjoy freedom of choice of sale and purchase of agri-produce.
It will also promote barrier-free inter-state and intra-state trade and commerce outside the physical premises of markets notified under State Agricultural Produce Marketing legislations.
On the other hand, under the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, the new legislation will empower farmers for engaging with processors, wholesalers, aggregators, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters etc., on a level playing field. Price assurance to farmers even before sowing of crops. In case of higher market price, farmers will be entitled to this price over and above the minimum price.
