From a young girl breaking her gullak to fund the morcha to youth with engineering degrees joining the protest, it’s a different farmers’ movement against Modi govt’s farm laws.
The JD(U) is the second BJP ally to break ranks over the farm bills and is now asking for including provisions that punish companies that buy produce from farmers below MSP.
Former Himachal CM Shanta Kumar, who headed a committee formed by Modi govt to study agricultural reforms, says most small farmers don’t benefit from MSP.
During a virtual foundation laying ceremony in Bihar, Modi again mounted a strong defence of the farm bills, saying farmers will now have the freedom to sell their produce.
Speaking at a virtual launch of rail projects in Bihar, PM Modi said these bills are the need of the country and farmers will no longer remain in shackles.
Until 24 May, while MP has exceeded its target and Punjab has almost completed its own, UP has just procured 37% of its target of 55 lakh metric tonnes.
The problem has chiefly arisen due to lack of coordination between Modi govt & Mamata govt as West Bengal supplies 95% of the gunny sacks required in the country.
Farmers say mandis have made many new arrangements due to lockdown but didn’t cover their wheat produce, which caused shrivelling leading to lower MSP & delayed procurement.
The Army has plans for a technology thrust in the near term, including the use of AI to support decision-making. While well-intentioned, this may have unintended consequences.
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