Voices of the Farmers: A Call for Agricultural Support and Fair Policies

As a farmer from Uttar Pradesh, Irsquo;m deeply concerned about the lack of support and fair policies from the government. Each year, farmers across the country face numerous challenges, especially when it comes to selling their crops and accessing financial assistance. This article highlights the challenges faced by farmers and calls for meaningful reforms to support them.

Challenges Faced by Farmers

Let me share my own experience and observations from my village, Lakhimpur Kheri, in Uttar Pradesh. Last year, when I sold rice, I received a price of INR 1560 per quintal, making a profit of over INR 300,000 from selling more than 200 quintals. This profit exceeded the minimum support price of INR 1860 per quintal set by the government. This year, the situation has changed dramatically. Due to uncertainty surrounding new agricultural bills, no one was willing to buy rice, leading to severe losses. I lost more than INR 100,000 this year, and many of my fellow farmers faced a similar fate.

Government Inaction and Misinformation

Itrsquo;s disheartening to see that the government has done little, if anything, to support farmers in times of crisis. For instance, the announced online selling portal, ENAM, for farmers has been a complete failure. Many farmers, including myself, are unaware of its existence and how to use it. The process is so complex that even those who tried it found it difficult to use.

Ignoring the needs of farmers, the governmentclaims that ENAM is a valuable tool, but the reality is that millions could benefit from such initiatives. Furthermore, despite the presence of a Bajaj Mill in Palia district, the government has failed to ensure that farmers receive timely payments for their crops. Payments are often delayed by months, which is unacceptable in current economic conditions. If a farmer cannot afford to clothe his children or provide basic amenities, the system is failing them.

Resilience and Hope for Change

Despite the numerous challenges, farmers are resilient and resourceful. Farmers like me, whose sons have traveled abroad or started their own businesses, often provide additional income for the family. However, the lack of support, resources, and fair policies is a serious concern. Most farmers in Uttar Pradesh do not own tractors or other essential equipment, making it difficult to compete with larger agricultural businesses. Irrigation infrastructure is often lacking, forcing farmers to leave their fields untended in times of need.

Conclusion and Call for Action

It is clear that the government needs to take immediate action to support farmers. This includes:

Ensuring timely and fair payment for agricultural produce Providing farmers with the tools and resources they need to increase productivity and efficiency Investing in irrigation and other agricultural infrastructure Increasing awareness about government support programs and online platforms

Letrsquo;s not forget that farmers like me are the backbone of our nation. We need to honor their hard work and provide them with the support they deserve. I urge the government to take meaningful steps to address the challenges faced by farmers, and I hope that this article will bring attention to these pressing issues.

Leave your comments and share your thoughts on how we can help farmers on the ground.