Anushka Mansharamani
Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala moved a resolution against the Centre’s farm laws during the special session of State Assembly.
The Chief Minister of Kerala stated that the enactment of the laws would have a major impact on the agricultural sector as during the pandemic the agricultural sector is already facing a major crisis.
Pinarayi Vijayan further stated that “there is a great will behind the protest” taking place after the 3 farm laws were passed.
Pinarayi Vijayan claimed that the farmers are serious about the protest as they have been fighting the winter in Delhi.
He added that 32 farmers lost their lives during the 35-day strike.
He further emphasized on the importance of culture stating that “legislatures have an obligation to take legislation seriously when it causes great concern and suspicion among the people affected. According to the latest official report of the Central Government, 43.3% of the country’s workforce is employed in agriculture. For our country agriculture is not just a productive sector, it is a part of our culture.”
Thereby concluding that the agrarian reform should be carefully formatted and enacted.
Pinarayi Vijayan also mentioned the successful implementation of Reforms and Acts in Kerala.
He firstly stated that Kerala successfully implemented the Land Reforms Act, in a proper manner succeeded to resolve agricultural disputes and also set up a proper system after the Green Revolution which provided farmers with a minimum price for some products.
Secondly, stated that the government should set forth a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for more products and make agriculture profitable for the farmers.
He further expounded the current situation of the farmers where they are worried that they would lose the MSP that was previously provided to them.
After examining the laws Vijayan fthendded that there was a lack of legal protection for the farmers, lack of a proper system for fair distribution and responsibility by the government.
He continued to stress on the fact that food security is an important issue and lack of distribution could lead to an increase in black marketing.
He also stated that “The situation will be aggravated by the exclusion of essential commodities including the food grain and pulses from the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act.”
He lastly added that continuation of distress would have an adverse effect on Kerala as Kerala is a consumer state and during the pandemic, it could have a greater impact and could have serious repercussions.
Therefore, Pinarayi Vijayan moved a resolution against the farms laws thereby urging the Centre to withdraw the 3 laws.