Published 20:34 IST, February 2nd 2021
MoS Agriculture vows to permanently quit politics 'if farmers lose even an inch of land'
Union MoS Agriculture Kailash Choudhary stated that he would step down as a Minister and leave politics if farmers' land is snatched away owing to farm laws.
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On Tuesday, Union MoS Agriculture Kailash Choudhary revealed that he would step down as a Minister and leave politics permanently if farmers' land is snatched away owing to agrarian laws. Speaking to media, Choudhary accused opposition of politicising "beneficial" farm laws. According to him, re was provision in agrarian laws which permits sale of farmers' land. At present, implementation of farm laws has been stayed by Supreme Court. Chairing an all-party meeting before commencement of Budget session, PM Modi made ar overture to farmers by making it clear that offer to stay farm law implementation for 18 months is still valid.
Union MoS Agriculture Kailash Choudhary remarked, "I urge farm union leaders that se laws benefit farmers. In Parliament, opposition is seeking to politicise this issue. y wanted to bring se reforms during ir tenure but couldn't do so. It is being falsely publicised that farmers will lose ir land in near future if se laws are implemented. This is a lie. In this law, re is provision which uses word 'land'. law talks about only agreement pertaining to farm produce. I want to say with sincerity that of even an inch of land is snatched away and if re is such a provision in se laws, I will step down as a Minister and I am ready to permanently quit politics."
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What are farm laws?
Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020 aims at freeing farmers from constraints of state Agriculture Produce Market Committees whereby y would be able to sell ir produce anywhere. Meanwhile, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 protects and empowers farmers to eng with processors, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters for farm services. This entails provision of contract farming. Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 specifies that supply of foodstuffs including cereals, pulses, potato, edible oilseeds, and oils shall be regulated only under exceptional circumstances.
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20:34 IST, February 2nd 2021