Farmers will get access to new markets under new laws, say PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reiterated his government’s stand on three farm laws and said the recent reforms would give farmers access to new markets and technology, and help increase investments in the agricultural sector.

The farmers’ protest against three central farm laws in Delhi entered the 17th day on Saturday.

Addressing the 93rd annual convention of FICCI, an industry body, Modi said that with the new laws in place, farmers would have the option to sell their crops in mandis or to outside parties.

“The government is committed to protecting the interests of farmers through its policies and intentions. The recent farm laws will give farmers new markets, access to technology and help bring investments in agriculture,” he said. “Farmers now have the option to sell their crops in mandis as well as to outside parties.”

Also read: Farmers union moves SC against farm laws; ‘ultra Left’ fuelling protests: Govt

Farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping at Delhi’s borders since November 26. Several rounds of talks between the government and farmer unions have taken place. Despite considerable concessions made by the Centre, farmers have been steadfast in their demand that the laws be repealed.

The last round of talks, scheduled on December 9, was cancelled after a meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and representatives of farm unions.

Intensifying their protest against the Centre’s new agriculture laws, farmers took over some toll plazas in Haryana on Saturday, not allowing authorities to collect fees from commuters. The agitating farmers had earlier said they would picket toll plazas to press their demand for a repeal of the three new laws, which were pushed through in Parliament in September despite strong protests by opposition parties.