The special session of the Kerala legislative assembly has passed a resolution against Centre's new farm laws. Our national capital is witnessing an unprecedented struggle. Farmers have braved extreme cold & other hardships to join the struggle. In 35 days, 32 lives lost.
Centre must abstain from acts that could provoke such outrage, especially in this pandemic situation. The sector employs 43.3% of our country’s labour force. It’s a part of our culture. Therefore, the reforms in the sector need to be implemented with great care & consideration.
Kerala has vast experience in this regard. It is a state that has successfully implemented the Land Reforms Act. In addition, the State has made impactful interventions in resolving agricultural crises by ensuring the participation of local bodies & co-operatives.
The new laws will have major ramifications in the agriculture sector, which is already in a crisis. Farmers fear that they will lose the existing support in prices. The bargaining power of the farmers will also be further weakened.
The laws do not provide any legal protection for the farmers either. Not only that, the farmers lack the resources to wage a legal battle with the corporations. The Central Govt has shirked the responsibilities, and has instead allowed the corporates to take over the trade.
If this agitation continues, it will seriously affect Kerala, which is a consumer state. If the supply of food items from other states halts, Kerala will go hungry. The State cannot bear that, especially during Covid. The urgency of this resolution is clear.
The country must listen to the protesting farmers. We all have a responsibility to take a stand on this matter. We must tell which side we are on. Today, Kerala has spoken through its legislative assembly. We are with the farmers.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly has requested the Central Government to take immediate steps to repeal these three controversial laws, and recognise the legitimate demands of the farmers, who are the backbone of this country.
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