Swaminathan Report: In Discussion During Farmers Protest
The Swaminathan Report, officially known as the “Report of the National Commission on Farmers”, is a comprehensive document outlining the challenges faced by Indian farmers and proposing solutions for improving their lives and livelihoods.
Here’s a summary of its key points:
Major Concerns:
- Unremunerative prices: The report highlights the issue of low Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops, leading to inadequate income for farmers. It recommends setting MSP at least 50% higher than the comprehensive cost of production, including imputed costs like family labor.
- Land and water issues: The report calls for land reforms to address unequal land ownership and ensure access to land and water for farmers, particularly marginal and small landholders. It emphasizes promoting rainfed agriculture and sustainable water management practices.
- Market access and infrastructure: The report recommends improving market access for farmers, reducing intermediaries’ role, and strengthening transport and storage infrastructure.
- Credit and insurance: It identifies access to affordable credit and effective agricultural insurance as crucial for farmers’ resilience and risk management.
- Investment in research and development: The report stresses the need for increased investment in agricultural research and development to foster innovation and address emerging challenges like climate change.
Key Recommendations:
- Implement C2+50% formula for MSP: This would ensure farmers receive a fair return on their produce.
- Land reforms: Redistribution of ceiling surplus land and wasteland, facilitating access for marginalized groups.
- Strengthening institutions: Establishing a National Land Use Advisory Service and improving market infrastructure.
- Financial support: Reducing interest rates on agricultural loans, issuing Kisan Credit Cards to women farmers, and creating a Rural Insurance Development Fund.
- Technology and knowledge management: Promoting innovative farming practices, climate-resilient agriculture, and knowledge dissemination.
Current Status:
- The Swaminathan Report has been partially implemented, with some states adopting measures like higher MSPs and loan waivers. However, key recommendations like C2+50% MSP formula and comprehensive land reforms remain unaddressed.
- Farmer protests across India often demand full implementation of the report, highlighting its continued significance in addressing their grievances.
