A new era begins for all poor and marginal farmers of the country, who were laid up under the pressure of loans till this great day when their loans came to be waived off while passing the budget. Unfortunately many farmers committed suicide being unable to repay the debt, on account of failure of crops. Few of them surrendered their farms to contract farming and few others sold to multi-nationals. Farmers thus became the purchasers of foodgrains as against their great contributions to the non-farming communities to feed.
What next? All beneficiaries and other farmers should tighten their belts to make a fresh effort to produce most on even their least farm adapting all modern methods in selection of best seeds, in scientifically improved soils, in better cultivation, improved manures, preferably organic farming, lastly in improved marketing on graded food produce. These farmers and others also should continue to pay their attention to animal husbandry to produce local bullocks to avoid use of expensive fossil fuels.
There is yet a greater gap in the form of agencies preferably NGOs instead of a middle man who exploits. Till date the NGOs who made often shoddy plans for NREGA begin with much carefully prepare intelligent plans of choice for selection of priority for NREGA works, say water for drinking, sanitary and farming. Unless, appropriate water security is ensured a poor farmer by himself can do a little.
The Govt of India has to pass on to states resources in time to go ahead with NREGA works in order. The state Govt may have to reorganize the entire set-up to keep a watch constantly to see NREGA works go as preplanned economically. Watershed works go a long way in providing requirement to farming. We have done well but may have to keep the works done in order. In the past, during development works payment of wages was faulty. Now, that digital science in e-governance is established, this may become free from corruption. In all activities I strongly recommend NRGEA could be dovetailed to five year plans. Competent planners of IAS or IFS could be placed to plan for period of 5 years and duly passed by Govt. for execution. Best planning amounts to half done. Monitoring is the next best which should not be left to inefficient agencies. Any faulty execution merits a proportionate action of penalty so that Govt. money is properly handled and well recorded village wise as permanent record. It is a national pride to free the farmers for future and help them from all sides including private investments wherever possible. PRODUCE OR PERISH. The occasion now offered may not be repeated, but they are now made to avail fresh loans on payable small interest.
What then the Govt can do? it is for each individual who depends on farmers for food to help the situation for the future.
SS Chitwadgi
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