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Journalism of Courage
Our country is an agriculture-based economy but this doesn’t get reflected in the space and time allocated in newspapers and television programmes to agricultural issues. The media are predominantly urban centered, and worse, urban oriented. The regional newspapers and regional transmission do make some efforts to fill the void, yet this area needs a stronger thrust if we are to keep pace with our growing population and advancements in the agricultural world.
The role of journalists in building momentum on issues of agricultural relevance cannot be underestimated. They can educate the farmer on current issues and motivate him to participate in the decision-making process. The media can force discussion and debate on issues. When the media created a furore over the plight of poor farmers in the wake of widespread drought, for instance, the government reacted by announcing a task force and finally declaring drought and sanctioning some relief.
The future of agriculture is going to be knowledge-based rather than resource-based. In the wake of globalisation, quality control is of paramount importance. This demands more responsible and responsive journalism. For his very survival, the farmer needs to make an informed decision rather than following what he has been doing for centuries. This value added information needs to reach him in a language and medium that he can easily identify with. Why can’t we bring out farm news supplements for different agro-ecological zones, like the area-wise supplements in newspapers in metros? Interactive formats using lively discussions, quizzes, surveys etc. could convey information in a meaningful manner.
Agricultural productivity in India has a large untapped potential. Even at the present technology levels, better communication between the farmers and the source can treble or even quadruple yields. This gap between potential and realised yields can be covered if our farmers are better informed.
Rural management is an area that has received attention recently, yet it has barely managed to turn around a few villages. Most farmers are not even aware of the existence of such a concept. It is also the responsibility of the journalist to familiarise himself on aspects relating to minimum wages, human rights, labour laws, and such legal aspects so as to be of use to the poor farm labour. Coordinating public discussions in the print or visual media on the ethical issues pertaining to farmers’ rights is imperative. In times of disaster, like drought and flood, reportage has time and again highlighted the trauma faced by the people.
The media also serves to highlight the success stories among farmers and in successful co-operatives. These examples serve as a source of inspiration to other farmers.
(The writer is a member of the Congress party and former union agriculture minister)
