Making it clear that the recent farm laws — which the farmers want to be scrapped — were undertaken keeping the best interests of farmers in mind, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said there is no question of taking any “retrograde” steps against the farm sector. However, he said the Centre is open for discussion on the farm laws.
Addressing the annual convention of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) against the backdrop of farmers’ protest, Singh said the Government is “always willing to listen to our farmer brothers”.
“We are, however, always willing to listen to our farmer brothers, allay their misgivings and provide them with assurances we can provide. Our Government is always open to discussion and dialogue,” Singh said.
The Minister said agriculture is one the sector that is able to the cope with the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and “come out the best”. He said, “Our produce and procurement have been plentiful and our warehouses are full.”