“I am a Farmer”, how many people will say this with pride and strength in their voice.
“I am a Software Engineer, professional, Vice president, Manger”…..etc..these are the introductions we hear normally and of course with pride.
60% of Indians are employed in Agriculture [wikipedia] . Yet, there is some uneasy feeling about being an employee of this largest, traditional company which produces something that every person needs 3 times a day. Certainly, this is an interesting sector. But, if one sees how much interest our Government is taking in this sector even after counting those farmers, who are commiting suicide due to losses.
As I am from Andhra Pradesh, I will take an example from that region. In early 2004,before elections Congress announced a free power scheme to all farmers. Everyone know that its not feasible and a cheap election stunt. No surprises, Congress won.
Six months later, Congress placed an upper limit on the amount of agricultural land, a farmer can have to avail the free power scheme.
Three months later, Govt restricts the power scheme only to those farms having new version of electronic meters.
Three months later, Govt further restricted the scheme for night time only. Day time usage will be billed.
As you can see, Govt lacks vision. In 2008, Govt has no choice but to cancel the bank loans taken by farmers.
Coming to a completely different sector — Sony, IBM & Toshiba manufactured next gen processor,the Cell (microprocessor). Sony used this processor for its play station 3. They developed this for 4 years. why? — Sony wants to capture the entertainment sector, if not its rival Microsoft Xbox 360 will grab the market share.
When we compare Agriculture sector with Entertainment sector,
Pros:
1) Agriculture has more customers than Entertainment sector
2) 60% of Indians are in Agriculture sector.
Cons:
1) Lack of Management and vision
2) Lack of competition to create enthusiasm and spirit.
I tried my best to assess the Agriculture sectors weaknesses.
Here is the solution which may look absurd, infeasible, and completely stupid. But this is my idea.
” Agricultural department of India, should take all the lands of those farmers who have land below a certain threshold under PARTIAL LEASE. One may get doubt, is this a land-grabbing scheme ?. No, definitely not. Thats why I said under partial Lease with terms of agreement as follows:
1) Only used for agriculture
2) Decision of which crop to cultivate should be decided by a third party (whom— will tell u in a moment).
3) All labour related activities should be taken up by the farmer himself. All resources such as water and power should be provided by the Government body.
4) All Farmers will be termed as State govt emplyees and will avail all the benefits, a govt employee enjoys. So, Farmer can be termed as a public servant.
5) Farmer will get a monthly salary depending upon the land he has + bonus every year depending upon the profits…
6) The state governments who generated more points in a given year will be given subsidies and will have to be prioritised in every aspect in the next year.
7) Third party who decide the crops, should be a body of economists and agriculturalists in equal proportions. The vote to decide the crop — 33% weightage to votes of economists, 33% agricultural researchers — 16% to farmer , and 16% to govt. Apparently this body should not be funded by govt, and should contain professors, researchers from various universities. This third party is a non-profit organisation, working for farmers. For them, this should be a project / Phd kind of course.
Well—not a perfect, accurate and sound idea. But thats an idea.
This will create some attraction for students and researchers. Also, ensuring the farmer’s cash flow will provide more security to their lives. Govt will be forced to provide power and water, and that will make them prioritise their plans and visions.
No Idea is perfect and I know that my idea is not even closer to perfect, but thats what a 21 year old young Indian can offer.
