Greeva Garg–
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Government tabled Amendments Bills to the Centre’s three Farm laws in the Maharashtra Assembly.
The Amendments to the Agri laws enacted by the Centre is a counter attempt of the Government for its proper implementation, as it is facing stiff opposition by the farmers’ group.
The Amendments proposed in the assembly aims to strengthen the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMCs) and make Minimum Support Price (MSP) and license for traders procuring farm produce from land tillers in Maharashtra.
Criticizing several provisions of the Central Farm laws, State Agriculture Minister Dadasaheb Bhuse said that, “In the Central Act, there is no provision for making farming agreement on MSP. State government’s draft bills have provisions for rates higher than or equivalent to MSP for produce in farming agreements with traders.”
The draft bill governing farming contracts states that “Farming agreement shall not be valid unless the price paid to farmer is equal to or greater than MSP. The farmer and sponsor can make a farming agreement below MSP with mutual consent for a maximum period of two years. For crops where MSP has not been declared till then, farmers and sponsors may enter into a farming agreement on the mutually agreed price.”
According to the bill, if any dispute arises over the farming agreements between farmers and the sponsors, they can approach the competent authority for appropriate relief.
Protecting the rights of farmers, harassment against them will be punishable with not less than three years of imprisonment and a fine of not less than five lakh or both”.
Amending the provision of Central Agri Laws, the proposed bill has provided power to the State Government for regulating farm-related activities within the State.
The MVA Government invited suggestions and objections regarding the Amendment Bills from the public for two months.
The bills were prepared by a cabinet sub-committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.