Wed Sep 18 02:21:18 UTC 2024: ## Punjab Farmers Skeptical of New Agriculture Policy, Despite Welcoming Some Recommendations

**Chandigarh, India** – Farmers’ groups in Punjab have expressed mixed reactions to the draft of a new agriculture policy, which aims to address the state’s struggling agricultural sector. While some organizations welcome the policy’s release, many remain skeptical about its implementation.

The draft, circulated to stakeholders on Monday, includes recommendations like a state-specific insurance policy, ensuring minimum support prices, and promoting alternative crops to reduce water consumption. However, concerns remain about the policy’s feasibility and the government’s commitment to funding its ambitious goals.

The Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan), the largest farm body in the state, views the policy’s release as a victory following recent protests in Chandigarh. However, general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri Kalan stressed the importance of effective implementation. The group plans to submit detailed suggestions on the draft.

Economist RS Ghuman expressed concern over the policy’s silence on free power for the agriculture sector, which contributes to excessive groundwater usage and strains the state’s finances. Ghuman advocates for a gradual reduction in power subsidies, with the saved funds reinvested in rural development.

The draft also proposes cooperative farming and addresses the issue of farmer distress by recommending ex-gratia payments to families of suicide victims and a debt waiver scheme. However, Jagmohan Singh, general secretary of the BKU (Dakaunda), questioned the government’s ability to fund these initiatives given the state’s financial constraints.

The policy highlights the grim realities facing Punjab’s agriculture sector, including declining profitability, rising debt, and increasing farmer suicides. The total institutional debt in 2022-23 reached ₹73,673 crore, a significant increase from ₹32,250 crore in 2009-10. The number of farmer suicides, including farm laborers, stands at 16,594.

The policy formulation committee, led by Dr Sukhpal Singh, emphasizes the need for government action to implement the proposed changes and revitalize the agricultural sector. While the draft offers a comprehensive approach, the success of this ambitious plan ultimately hinges on the government’s commitment and resource allocation.

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