While agitating farmers’ unions boycotted talks with the Supreme Court-appointed committee, as many as 17 farmers’ organisations from 11 States and Union Territories participated in the deliberations over the farm laws and the minimum support price. These groups are not the part of the ongoing protests by 41 unions at Delhi borders. This was the second round of deliberations between farmers’ organisations and the committee members.
The organisations from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh gave their frank views and detailed suggestions on the farm laws.
According to the committee, the farmers’ unions participated in the deliberations, given suggestions in details and expressed their viewpoints over the three laws. The third round of deliberations with farmers’ organisations will be held on February 3. The committee has also invited comments, views and suggestions from the public and all stakeholders engaged in the agriculture activities including dairying and fisheries on the three laws by February 20.
The committee comprises agricultural economists Ashok Gulati and Dr Pramod Joshi, and Shethkari Sangathana president Anil Ghanwat. Another member BS Mann had recused from the committee following the pressure of farmers unions in Punjab.
The Supreme Court had on January 12 set up the committee to give a report to the court on the farm laws following consultations with all stakeholders. The Supreme Court had also stayed the implementation of three farm laws.
The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha continues to protest at Delhi’s borders — Tikri, Singhu, and Ghazipur.