Environmentalist Gurvinder Singh Ghuman writes to PM suggesting possible solution to farmers’ agitation

Chandigarh, November 2, 2021: Environmentalist Gurvinder Singh Ghuman has written a letter to Prime Minister Naredra Singh Modi, suggesting possible solution to the ongoing farmers’ agitation against the three agricultural laws.
In the letter, Ghuman states that while the agricultural reforms are the need of the hour, these have to be introduced by first removing the factors creating insecurity among farmers which have led them to take the path of protest. Drawing the government’s attention to the issues that need to be addressed, he has emphasised on checking the unhealthy competition, uncontrolled market and the lack of transparent system for the sale of agricultural produce, because of which farmers fail to get the adequate price.
He has urged the Prime Minister to look into the shortage of warehouses, transportation services and cold storages which force farmers to sell their produce at poor prices in nearby markets and prevents them from exploring markets in faraway places.
“Besides, agricultural-based industries in agrarian states too haven’t come up as desired. Had an action plan been developed for the agro-industry three decades ago, we wouldn’t have seen farmers and the government at loggerheads,” stresses Ghuman.
Putting forth some useful suggestions to end the stalemate, in his letter to the PM, he has suggested: “For three years, the three agricultural laws should neither be implemented nor scrapped. During the period, on an experimental basis, only those provisions should be implemented on which there is agreement between the government, agricultural experts and farmer unions after extended deliberations. 
Government should continue with MSP. Therefore, the states where government is procuring wheat and rice on MSP rates should abide for the subsequent three years.
and ensure farmers should not get the prices for their produce less than that prevailing in the international market.”
The Sirsa-based environmentalist has also stressed to allow private players to play a key role to help farmers under the supervision of the government. At the same time, he has urged farmers to make themselves competent for the international market and enhance capabilities to ward off threats emerging from climate change.
“The flawed market is behind all ills afflicting the nation, including the confrontation between farmers and the government. The entire nation is demanding an ideal, disciplined and ethical market that promotes healthy competition and gives farmers their long-pending due,” he has written to the PM.