 |
Put Agriculture in Concurrent List to "serve Farmers"
Author:  | Posted: 03-07-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 22 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
In December 1996, the then Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Mr. P.A. Sangma, had expressed his view at a convention of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in Kolkata that the Union Ministry of Agriculture should be disbanded because "agriculture is a State subject in the Constitution.".
Little had he realized then, it appears, that although agriculture does occur in List II (State List) in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution under entry numbers 14,15 and 16,the Centre has more than a decisive role to play in the conduct of agricultural operations in the country. Although placing agriculture in the State list is actually a legacy of the Government of India Act, 1935 (as is water, entry No.17), it is obvious that leaving the States to their fate in agriculture would tantamount to inviting starvation and famines.
Apparently convinced that the Centre has to play a far greater role in agriculture, which is facing a grave crisis these days, the National Commission on Farmers headed by world famous agricultural scientist Prof. M.S. Swaminathan has recommended in its fifth and final report that The Constitution of India should be amended in order to place agriculture in the concurrent list under power conferred on the Centre vide Article 246.
In its report, presented to Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on October 4,2006,the Commission stated:" Important policy decisions like those relating to prices, credit, and trade are taken by the Government of India. Also, several pieces of legislation including Protection of Plant varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, the Biodiversity Act, the Food Bill, etc. are administered by the Government of India. Substantial funds are provided by the Government of India for rural infrastructure development including irrigation, village roads and markets. By placing agriculture in the Concurrent List, serving farmers and saving farming becomes a joint responsibility of the Centre and the States, i.e. a truly national endeavor in raising then morale, prestige and economic well being of our farm women and men".
The National Commission for farmers, originally set up in 2004 with Mr. Sompal, a former member of the Planning Commission, was reconstituted in December that year with Dr. Swaminathan as the chairman and Mr. Atul Sinha, a former I.A.S. officer as Secretary. The other members were: Dr. R.B. Singh former Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI),New Delhi, Mr. Y.C. Nanda, Dr(Mrs) Chandra Nimbkar, Mr. Atul Kumar Anjan, Mr. Jagdish Pradhan and Dr. R.L. Pitale. The last four were part-time Members of the Commission.
The main emphasis in this report is on farmers and not agriculture as such. The first report was presented on Dec.29,2004,the second on August 11, 2005,the third on Dec.29,2005, the fourth on April 13,2006 and the fifth and final on Oct.4.2006. It is now for the Government of India to accept the recommendations partly or fully. Essentially farmer-friendly, the Commission says that there has to be a policy for farmers, instead of a policy for farming. The report's executive summary lays down that the objective of the proposed policy "is to ensure that the economic viability of farming is improved by enabling farmers earn a minimum net income. The policy should stimulate attitudes which will result in assessing agricultural progress in terms of the net income of farm families, rather than just in million tones of farm commodities produced. And it will place faces before figures"
Dr. Swaminathan said: The Commission believes that the desperation of farmers who are driven to commit suicide points to a larger agrarian crisis, which can be corrected through policy intervention". The Commission recommended that prime farmland must be conserved for agriculture and should not be diverted for non-agricultural purposes and programmes. The compensation provisions of the existing land acquisition act should be reviewed and made pro-farmer. The NCF also pitches for allocation of land for landless agriculturists, he said.
The Commission advocated a four per cent rate of interest for crop loans and said that since the Banks could not provide loans at this low rate the Government had to subvent the banks for this purpose. The Commission also suggested a four to five year period for repayment of loans from drought-affected farmers. It also made the suggestion that the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) should function like a National Bank for Farmers.
On agriculture-specific recommendation, The NCF said the heartland of green revolution, Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh should be protected from land degradation and other infirmities such a lowering of ground water level. At the same time, it stressed the need for arousing the "sleeping giants" of Bihar and eastern India including Assam and West Bengal. For attracting rural youth to farming, making it intellectually stimulating and economically attractive, it recommended curriculum reform in agricultural and animal sciences universities so that "every scholar becomes an entrepreneur".
"Food imports are temporary measures and cannot lead to food- nutrition security", Dr. Swaminathan said. "We cannot get rid of hunger without strategies of nutrition security of farmers' he added. The NCF chairman also stressed the critical role of the mass media in creating a climate of confidence in India's agricultural capabilities.
(This article is based on recommendations made nearly eight months ago, but remains valid as the crisis on food front has become critical: Editor)
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/news-and-society-articles/put-agriculture-in-concurrent-list-to-quotserve-farmersquot-174414.html
About the Author:
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Horticultural Jobs Board
By: Gee Hazleton | 22/09/2005 | Careers
Simply go to the job centre or put a small ad in the local
newspaper to get their staff. Qualifications and/or experience
were not always thought to be necessary or even.
The Natural Way of Farming – Books by Masanobu Fukuoka!
By: Amelie Mag | 30/03/2008 | Health
Ever since we are little, we are taught to respect nature and protect it as much as we can. Growing up, we are instructed (if that can be said) that being green does not mean disrespecting nature; on the contrary, we must understand what green philosophy is and try to apply some general rules.
Agriculture & Forestry in Los Angeles, Ca
By: Matthew Paolini | 06/11/2007 | Environment
Two unlikely industries, agriculture and forestry, play a surprising large role in one of the largest American cities. Find out which one by reading the article.
Push to Ban Smoking Goes Too Far
By: Gary Watts | 15/07/2007 | Health and Safety
Anti-smoking laws have may have well-intentioned public purposes, but when they infringe on the constitutional right of privacy -- they overreach.
An End Run Around the Constitution
By: John Kozy | 05/04/2008 | National, State, Local
The U.S. is a failed state. It is built on an 18th Century ideology trying to become a 19th Century empire in the 21st Century. This failure results from the Constitution’s having been nullified by non-constitutional institutions that have taken control of the nation—faction, lobbying, and the Supreme Court’s decision making political contributions a form of speech. As long as Americans allow factionalism and its consequences to endure, the nation’s future will be grim.
Seasons and Calendars
By: Tala Bar | 03/04/2008 | Culture
Dividing the year into seasons, and marking those seasons with festivals, is the custom of all humans on the face of the earth. The year can be divided according to the cycles of the sun, the moon, the rains, certain stars and farming activities, after which different calendars around the world have been founded.
The Pros and Cons In The Work Of A Cultivator
By: James Monahan | 01/12/2005 | Environment
A cultivator is a person who is involved in the cultivation and supervision of a land, whether he may own the land or not. They play a vital role to the development of agriculture all throughout the world.
Fly Ash Use in Agriculture: a Perspective
By: Md. Wasim Aktar | 03/12/2007 | Science
Fly ash has a potential in agriculture and related applications. Physically Fly Ash occurs as very fine particles, having an average diameter of < 10 m m, low to medium bulk density, high surface area and very light texture. Chemically the composition of Fly Ash varies depending on the quality of coal used and the operating conditions of the Thermal Power Stations. Approximately on an average 95 to 99% of Fly Ash consists of oxides of Si, Al, Fe & Ca and about 0.5 to 3.5% consists of Na, P, K an
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Would this be considered malpractice?
By: stan | 05-07-2008
I had spinal fusion surgery ten months ago. I still have a lot of pain,stiffness in my lower back and numbness and tingling in my feet. The surgion put me at maximum medical improvement now. The surgion says I have know Idea why your feeling these symptoms your bones are healing nicely. The surgion says from a surgical standpoint there is nothing more I can do for you,follow up with your family doctor for medication. I went to my family doctor and it was determaned through x-rays and MRI that the surgion did not realign my spine during the operation! I believed the whole idea behind spinal fusion is to realign the spine and lock it in to place. My question is, would this be considered malpractice ?
Security Deposit Guidelines for Vacation Rentals in Massachusetts
By: rdebe7 | 04-07-2008
Security Deposit Guidelines for Vacation Rentals in mass. If there is no cancellation policy on the contract and I cancel, does the person have to send my deposit back?
What is the need for a secrete society organization?
By: instaloans | 04-07-2008
U.S. President J.F.K was against the secrete societies. What is such need for secrete society organization which exist even today?
Stuck with exes truck!!!
By: Lissa | 04-07-2008
I have been stuck with a truck i had bought for an ex-boyfriend 4 years ago. I have been making the payments and i cannot do it anymore. Does anyone know if legally i can go after my ex to take responsibility for this truck????
Is it leagle to own a peacock bird
By: plyvghn5 | 04-07-2008
is it leagle to own a peacock bird
Use of an AED
By: songbird13291 | 03-07-2008
we are a religious organization in New York and have instaled AED units in our building. I thought the public health law makes a volunteer immune from suit arising form the use of an AED if the individual has been trained in the use of the equipment. others in the organization are afraid of potential liability. do we have reason to be concerned?
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest News and Society Articles
Decorative Party Goods
By: James Brown | 24/07/2008
Consumers have many suppliers to consider when shopping for decorative party goods and at times, subtle differences in price will determine which party goods are purchased over other items offered at the same store. Party hosts search for economical ways to decorate party tables while still offering the party guests...
Back to School Fashion For Kids
By: James Brown | 24/07/2008
Going back to school is nothing fun but your kids still want to impress the crowds with the latest shoes, and clothes. The school supplies isn't that important but you should still get quality notebooks and folders that are affordable. Since I will be going back to school soon I...
Adieu PPDA
By: Johnny Summerton | 24/07/2008
There was an end of a television era here yesterday as Patrick Poivre d'Arvor, affectionately known in this country as PPDA, made his final broadcast as anchorman on TF1's prime time news slot.
Think of a news anchor in your own country, someone who has been around for donkeys years and...
Coal And Forest Preservation
By: L.S. Sya | 18/07/2008
The recent conference on global deforestation held in Sydney co hosted by the Australian Ministers for Environment and Foreign Affairs drew a crowd of ministers, officials from all over the world and international development agencies. Preservation of natural forests was proven to be of particular interest, especially when it is...
Fixed Gear Bikes - What Are They and Why Are They Popular?
By: Jim Bullock | 16/07/2008
Some of you may have heard the kid down the street or even seen the young punk on the corner riding around and what looks like a 10 speed bike. However, if you take a closer look, you'll discover that there aren't 10 speeds on that bike. In fact, you'd...
Where Did the Love Go?
By: Todd A. Smith | 15/07/2008
The Black family structure is under attack. From teenage pregnancies to dead-beat dads, what was once the strength of the Black community is now a glaring weakness.
What happened to Black male female relationships? Are the constant derogatory images seen across the media on a daily basis the cause for the...
Shedding the Shackles of Slavery
By: Todd A. Smith | 11/07/2008
The recent acquittals of the police officers charged with the murder of Sean Bell on the day of his wedding and the uproar that has erupted over the incendiary remarks by Rev. Jeremiah Wright are clear indications that race still matters in America.
The acquittal of three New York City police...
Faeries, Aliens
By: Larry Christopher | 08/07/2008
Tales of Otherworlds are almost universal in folklore and myth. There is not space to recount all of them, but today there has been a renewed interest in tales from the British Isles and Scandinavia, specifically those related to faeries, elves and other such Otherworldly creatures.
An interesting question to consider...
More from
Reliance Retail Launches Its Wellness Store – “reliance Wellness” at Chembur, Mumbai
By: | 08/02/2008 | Business
Mumbai, Reliance Retail announces the launch of its second Speciality store -“Reliance Wellness”.
Reliance Retail Limited Launches Its First Automotive Speciality Store “reliance Autozone” in Jamnagar
By: | 06/02/2008 | Business
New Delhi, Reliance Retail launched its first automotive speciality store Reliance
Autozone, at Jamnagar.
Reliance Retail Launches Hypermarket in Jamnagar
By: | 02/02/2008 | Business
Jamnagar: Reliance Retail Ltd. launched its hypermarket under the brand name “Reliance Mart” at Reliance Greens, Motikhavdi, Jamnagar today.
Land Rover & Savi Technology Launch RFID Pilot to Track Auto Parts Between Suppliers & Assembly Plant
By: | 02/02/2008 | Business
New Delhi, Ford Motor Company’s Land Rover division and Savi Technology today launched a pilot program to deploy an active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solution that better synchronizes the delivery of auto parts from multiple suppliers to Land Rover’s key assembly plant in the West Midlands (U.K.).
Savi Technology & Avaana Team Up to Deliver
By: | 02/02/2008 | Business
New Delhi, Savi Technology, a Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] company, and India-based AVAANA™ have entered into a strategic partnership for active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based supply chain solutions, products and services to prospective government and commercial customers in India.
Jaguar Mercantile Introduces Rendezvous Crystal Chandeliers
By: | 01/02/2008 | Business
New Delhi,Jaguar Mercantile, the leading Indian company in high-end modern lighting equipment and fiber optics has introduced a new range of unique and luxurious Crystal Chandeliers in collaboration with SWAROVSKI.
Aluminium India 2008 Makes Impressive Strides
By: | 01/02/2008 | Business
New Delhi, ALUMINIUM INDIA 2008, the International Conference and Exhibition will be held in Mumbai from February 22-24, 2008 in order to address the immediate needs of the Indian aluminium industry in the context of global markets and new technologies.
Is There Still Enough Appetite for Ipos ?
By: | 22/01/2008 | Business
Reliance Energy has gone all out to woo investors for the initial public offer (IPO) of its subsidiary, Reliance Power. It offered shares to retail investors at a 5% discount to the price band of Rs 405-450, and “staggered payment” option in this IPO.
|
|
News and Society 
