EXPERTS DISCUSS POLICY INTERVENTIONS TO DOUBLE FARM INCOME BY 2020

DON’T YIELD TO GOVT.PRESSURE; GIVE POLICY DECISIONS THAT ARE IMPLEMENTABLE: DR.S.S.JOHAL
Ludhiana, November 22, 2017: As a step towards attaining the 2022 target of doubling farmers income in the state, senior agricultural economists congregated at Punjab Agricultural University today to participate in a policy dialogue on Agricultural Economy of Punjab, sponsored by the Punjab State Farmers Commission. Speaking at the occasion, senior economist and Chancellor of Central University, Dr S.S.Johal outlined measures to reset the agricultural development in order to increase income of farmers in the state. He criticized the private ad public sector banks for considering the concept of having 5 acres land and a house as collaterals. He further dismissed the target oriented functioning of banks for issuing loans to farmers. Dr Johal strongly advocated the revision of the loan policy, while admonishing those farmers who do not pay debts even if they are financially stable. Policies for easy availability of farm machines, implements, ban on free power and water, reformation of rural neighborhood parks to include sports and library facilities and nonfarm employment for youth were other topics that were highlighted by Dr Johal. He exhorted the policy makers to give implementable policy decisions and reminded the state farmers’ commission of its autonomous structure when it comes to making agricultural policies, and that it should not budge under pressure from the government, whether or not the policies get implemented.

Dr Vijay Pal Sharma, Chairman, CACP, elaborated on Agricultural Price Policy and Diversification. He said that with Punjab having highest production in agriculture, there is no scope for breaking any more yield barriers. He suggested reducing the cost of cultivation by rationalizing input usage and energizing the extension system. With Punjab having 100% cropping intensity, the feasibility of further intensive agriculture will over exploit resources, thus spelling future trouble. “Diversification of agriculture by focusing on livestock, fisheries, horticulture and food processing are ways by which farm income can be increased”, he added. Dr Sharma also advised the use of technology in various agricultural domains, land tenancy reforms and a viable synchronization of price policy, trade policy, subsidy and taxation to help farmers reach the next income level.

Former Vice Chancellor, GADVASU, Dr V.K. Taneja presented Policy Interventions in Livestock Sector for Improving Rural Livelihood. Issues pertaining to MSP for various crops were also discussed at the workshop. Experts pointed to the need for production of edible oil crops by farmers to shift focus away from the rice wheat cropping pattern. “Agricultural research and development along with stream lining of the extension system is the need of the hour”, highlighted Shri Ajay Vir Jakhar”, Chairman, Punjab State Farmers Commission. Issues like rationalization of state taxes, agricultural marketing reforms, post harvest management and infrastructure were also discussed during the day long deliberations. Besides economics and agriculture, the event was well attended by senior experts of sociology, business administration and other disciplines as well.