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Tuesday / December 3. 2024

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HomePosts Tagged "Javare Gowda"
Acts & Schemes – Centre, AgroPolicy

Report provides extensive analysis of the government’s achievements; Highlights include 11 Crore Farmers benefiting from PM Kisan and a staggering 7350% increase in pulses procurement at MSP.

The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), a non-profit organization representing the cause of millions of farmers and farm workers of commercial crops across the States of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka etc. convened a seminar today at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi – Ensuring Farmer Livelihoods: Enhancing Farmer Incomes Through Sustainable Farming Practices.

During the seminar, FAIFA released a Report titled – TRANSFORMATION IN INDIA’S AGRICULTURE which highlighted key achievements in the agriculture sector in the last decade. The Report also put forward strategies to enhance farmer incomes in a sustainable manner. The seminar was graced by Sh. GVL Narasimha Rao, Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. The Key Speakers in the seminar were Prof MV Ashok, Senior Adviser BAIF Research and Development Foundation Pune and Former Chief General Manager, NABARD and Dr JP Tandon, Former Director, Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

The Report conducted an extensive analysis of the government’s achievements, providing a wealth of facts and figures. Some noteworthy highlights provided in the document include:

A remarkable 300 percent plus increase in budget allocation for agriculture over the span of 9 years

Over 11 crore farmers benefited from the PM Kisan scheme

A massive 7350 percent increase in pulses procurement at MSP

Production of over 330.5 million metric tons of food grains in the fiscal year 2022-23

Creation of 4.60 lakh Seed Villages and production of over 102 million metric tons of seeds

Recognition of over 7,000 Agri and allied start-ups in the agricultural sector

Coverage of 76 lakh hectares under the Per Drop More Crop (Drip Irrigation) initiative since 2015

Achievement of 221.06 million metric tons of milk production, marking a 51 percent increase over 9 years

Coverage of over 11 lakh hectares under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) since 2016, among various other notable accomplishments.

The FAIFA Report put the spotlight on the term “Jai Kisan,” emphasising that the diverse fabric of India’s agricultural economy has been a consistent aspect of its identity throughout history. It acclaimed the farmers or the Annadaatas and stated that they have earned the foremost access to opportunities without question. The FAIFA Report commended the government’s decade-long efforts, acknowledging a comprehensive approach that has borne fruit. From initiatives supporting farmers’ income, agricultural insurance schemes and expanded irrigation coverage to promoting organic farming, empowering women farmers, bolstering infrastructure and digitizing services, the government has embraced a holistic strategy in championing the cause of the farmers.

Javare Gowda, President, Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) on the release of the Report said, “The strides made by the government in the agriculture sector and for farmers are commendable. Efforts are being tirelessly invested in augmenting farmer income and ensuring their security, aiding our invaluable ‘Annadata’ in feeding our nation and the world too. Key policy initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) have played pivotal roles in extending financial and income support to farmers. For instance, the PM-KISAN Samman Yojana annually provides direct financial assistance to lakhs of farmers, including marginal and small farmers, totaling over Rs 2.80 lakh crore disbursed so far. Also, crop insurance coverage has been extended to 4 crore farmers under PMFBY.”

Report provides extensive analysis of the government's

AgroPolicy, Horticulture, India, Sustainability

Appeals to the government to investigate unsubstantiated claims of WHO

The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), a non-profit organisation representing the cause of millions of farmers and farm workers of commercial crops across the States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat, etc. challenged the WHO (World Health Organisation) to provide evidence on its recommendation that alternative crops should replace tobacco crops as they are negatively impacting sustainable agriculture and contributing to the global food crisis. FAIFA has also submitted a representation to the PMO (Prime Minister’s Office), the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to start an investigation into WHO’s unscientific recommendation. FAIFA has emphasised that certain groups with vested interests are propagating the (misplaced) benefits of other crops replacing tobacco cultivation.

The Climate Transparency Report of 2022 highlights the consequences of extreme events occurring between 2016 and 2021. Cyclones, flash floods, floods, and landslides have collectively caused extensive damage to crops, affecting over 36 million hectares of agricultural land. This damage has resulted in a significant loss of approximately $3.75 billion for farmers across the country. The states of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Bihar, and West Bengal have been particularly affected, reporting the highest crop damage due to flooding and heavy rainfall.

The impact of climate change is increasingly evident as traditional fertile lands experience a decline in yield and productivity, leading to frequent crop failures that adversely affect farmers. Tobacco cultivation is predominantly practised in semi-arid regions where alternative sustainable crops are not economically viable. However, even these arid lands are becoming more inhospitable due to climate change. In light of this situation, the unscientific recommendation by the WHO, a science-based organisation, to replace tobacco with other crops is illogical and is an agenda driven by vested interests.  

Javare Gowda, President of, the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) said, “WHO officials should not be making such unscientific statements or recommendations. We invite them to our lands where tobacco is cultivated for a minimum stay of 30 days or as long as they want to experience firsthand the harsh conditions. We challenge them to replace tobacco crops and demonstrate alternative crops that are equally remunerative and sturdy. If they fail, they should shut down their offices in the country and leave. This is a fair demand since they are causing economic loss to farmers.”

Murali Babu, General Secretary, of the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) said, “The recommendation of WHO is as good as asking our tobacco farmers to consume poison as replacement of tobacco with other crops will surely kill their livelihoods, destroy their lives and that of their families. Earlier experimentations have ended in huge losses for our tobacco farmers. We appeal to WHO to show their genuine intent to help the farming community and they should guarantee full compensation for any loss arising to the tobacco farmers. We request them to show their intent and deposit a minimum of Rs 1000 crore with the tobacco board and continue to replenish this every year so that amount can be distributed to farmers to cover the loss for crop substitution.” 

“The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), an international treaty that India is a party to, is a threat to the livelihoods of tobacco farmers as it has not provided viable alternatives for tobacco-growing countries. Considering that the recommendations will result in revenue loss including foreign exchange earnings, the Government of India must investigate the recommendations,” added Murali Babu.

Appeals to the government to investigate unsubstantiated