THE FARMERS (EMPOWERMENT AND PROTECTION) AGREEMENT OF PRICE ASSURANCE AND FARM SERVICES BILL, 2020

Sept. 19, 2020

Lok Sabha passed the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020.

About:

  • The new legislation will empower farmers for engaging with processors, wholesalers, aggregators, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters etc., on a level playing field without any fear of exploitation.

  • It will transfer the risk of market unpredictability from the farmer to the sponsor and also enable the farmer to access modern technology and better inputs. It will reduce cost of marketing and improve income of farmers.

  • This legislation will act as a catalyst to attract private sector investment for building supply chains for supply of Indian farm produce to national and global markets, and in agricultural infrastructure.

  • Farmers will get access to technology and advice for high value agriculture and get ready market for such produce. Farmers will engage in direct marketing thereby eliminating intermediaries resulting in full realization of price.

  • Farmers have been provided adequate protection. Sale, lease or mortgage of farmers’ land is totally prohibited and farmers’ land is also protected against any recovery.

  • Effective dispute resolution mechanism has been provided for with clear time lines for redressal.