Incentive to farmers

— It is an irony that in spite of being the prime mover of the State’s economy, agriculture hasn’t got the due it so rightly deserves. The farmers are not well equipped and even today they have to depend on the vagaries of nature. For a significant section of farmers the modern concepts of farming are still out of bounds. The marginal farmers are all along struggling and seldom get the desired support from the authorities. Lack of proper market linkages is compounding their woes as they are deprived of the remunerative returns for their produce. Storage problems at times compel the farmers to go for distress sale. Over the years a number of schemes have been announced with much fanfare to alleviate the condition of the farmers. But nothing tangible has happened at the ground level to cheer the farmers. The tall claims of development will always remain hollow unless there is an improvement in the condition of the farmers. Strengthening of the agriculture base in turn will help in accelerating development of the State.

In this dismal scenario it is heartening to note that the authorities are planning to launch special schemes to uphold the cause of the farmers. The move to ensure soft bank loans and proper housing facilities for the farmers and education and employment opportunities to their offspring is indeed laudable. But what remains to be seen is that these schemes do not just adorn the government files but are implemented in the right spirit at the field level. The best drafted schemes would have no meaning unless they are translated into action. Along with farmer-friendly schemes, the authorities need to create awareness among the farmers about the modern and scientific concepts of farming. They should also be equipped with modern equipments like tractors, power tillers, quality high-yielding seeds and fertilisers. Along with the authorities, voluntary organisations too have an important role to play in motivating and helping the farmers in increasing their productivity. To boost the morale of the farmers, the authorities should ensure that they get remunerative prices for their produce and are free from the vice-like grip of the never-ending chain of middle men. It is time the farmers of the State got their due which eluded them so long. It should not be forgotten that development of the State in the true sense is impossible without uniform progress in the agricultural sector. source: assam tribune