CMP falls short on ground reality

When the UPA government took charge in May, agriculture was touted as their priority area. Elevating the promise from election rhetoric, it ...

When the UPA government took charge in May, agriculture was touted as their priority area. Elevating the promise from election rhetoric, it was incorporated in black-and-white in the National Common Minimum Programme NCMP.

Five months down the line, the detailed progress report prepared by the Prime Minister8217;s Office indicates that it will be a long time before things change for the farmers.

The lowdown on the promises made and waiting to be honoured:

8226; Farmers will have greater say in the organisations that supply them inputs.

The Action: The NCMP identified all central organisations that provide inputs and urged greater farmer participation in the boards and asked state governments to follow suit. The agriculture ministry was asked to constitute an advisory group of farmers for guidance on proactive fresh thinking in agriculture, including issues like seed policy and fertiliser policy.
The Status: The ministry proposed to nominate one farmer representative to each of the boards of directors of the National Seeds Corporation and the State Farm Corporation of India. No progress since.

8226; Controls that depress the incomes of farmers will be systematically removed.

Status: Nothing has moved on this suggestion, apart from a suggestion that an inter-ministerial task group look into the issue.

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8226; The government will ensure public investment in agriculture research is stepped up significantly at the earliest.

The Action: The prime minister had directed the Planning Commission to set up a group headed by Dr M S Swaminathan to look into the issues of revamping and refocusing agricultural research, including attracting and retaining good scientists in public research institutes.
The Status: The group has just been constituted and things will move only after they submit their report. Budget allocation has been stepped up from Rs 770 core in the preceding year to Rs 1000 crore.

8226; Crop and livestock insurance schemes will be more effective.

The Action: In August, the PM suggested the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance set up joint groups to expeditiously study possible improvements on two existing schemes for crop insurance.
The Status: Reports awaited.

8226; The UPA will take steps to ensure that dues to all farmers, including sugarcane farmers, will be cleared at the earliest.

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The Action: The government has set up an inter-ministerial committee called the Tuteja Committee on the issue of sugarcane dues.
The Status: The report is expected only in end-November.

8226; The government will strengthen the PDS.

The Action: Ways to strengthen PDS delivery are being studied.