Farmers Demand Comprehensive Agricultural Policy for Consistency and Sovereignty

The All India Kisan Coordination Committee (AIKCC) has urged state governments to adopt a comprehensive agricultural policy to safeguard farmers' interests, promote export, and prevent frequent policy changes. During a two-day session, the committee emphasized the importance of policy consistency and retaining sovereignty over agricultural data.

The All India Kisan Coordination Committee (AIKCC) has called on state governments to implement a comprehensive 'agriculture policy' aimed at protecting farmers' interests and ensuring policy consistency over an extended period. The demands were made during a two-day brainstorming session held in memory of the late Sharad Joshi, a renowned farmers' leader and founder of Shetkari Sanghatana.

'More than 60 percent of India's population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Yet, many states lack their own agricultural policies, leading to conflicts between the Centre and states on various issues,' AIKCC Chairman and former Rajya Sabha MP Bhupinder Singh Mann stated. The AIKCC highlighted that consistent policies are crucial for boosting agricultural exports and averting frequent policy changes that negatively impact farmers.

Vice Chairman Binod Anand stressed the strategic need for India to maintain sovereignty over its agricultural data, cautioning against outsourcing data management to foreign corporations. The organization is actively collaborating with farmers' groups and political leaders, including approaching Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, to advocate for this cause.

(With inputs from agencies.)