Indian Farmers and WTO deals

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

rkumar

Active member
Dear Friends,

It seems they have agreed at WTO to end all the agriculture export subsidies by 2013. There is a general feeling that country like India, Brazil and other agro-based nations will benefit from this step. Its still 7 years to go before one can see its effects in market. However, there are many interesting possibilities it raises to us Jats who are mainly a farming community;

1. Can we organise at community level and focus on crops, which might fetch us the maximum price in international market?
2. Can we provide these items at international quality level?
3. There are very high chances that many large agriculture farms in USA and Europe might go on sale as government support to farmers there declines. Can we Jats form Agro-business groups and acquire the farmlands in these countries and add cheaper manpower to remain competitive?
4. Won't this be the time for Indians to create multinational Agro companies who can set up the shops in USA and Europe?

Rajendra
 
Rajenderji,

You have brought out some very valid suggestions. Although nothing much has been achieved at WTO in Hong Kong but ending Farm Export Subsidies by 2013 is good news for our farmers.

Our farmers can divert from tradidional farming to commercial farming. Flowers, Herbs, straberry and other berries, musrooms, various type of beens including soya and kidney beens. In addition to these meat and dairy products should have a good overseas markets.

Taking up farming in country like US may not be feasible & viable option as cheeper labour is going to be more and more difficult to get. Because the cheaper farm labour is provided by illegal residents which is going to be more difficult in future as entry in US is becoming harder.

Multinational agro companies is need of the time and some initiative should be taken at community level.

Sateypal
 
Rajender Uncle Ram-ram

Idea of setting up shops in international market is really great and sounds good for Indian Farmers. But there is a need for educating our farmers on this. But yes it is good for Indian farmers if this idea can be implemented.

Abhimanyu phougat
 
How will our farmers do this? Is it so simple and straight? Any inputs as to how a poor farmer in a rural Haryana/Up/Rajasthan go about sending his product into the international market. A point to ponder please.I mean steps required to be taken. If that is spelt out then Idea can take shape.
 
Situation is some what like when textile quota abolition was announced and countries like China geared up to take advantage to position themselves to extend their market. We have 7 years when subsidies in Europe will be totally withdrawn. States like Bihar can get geared up for many agro products. Haryana, western UP and Punjab can move up the agro chain. Need less to mention, government has to play important role. However, government can be forced only through joint actions of farmers. This is the time when government and farmers come together and join hands to identify markets, products and technologies. Entire infrastructure must be in place before markets open. Part of the farming has to become commercial and run like corporate. Such corporate can open their offices in USA and Europe and acquire large farmlands. Farm workers then can be inter-company transferred to work in USA and Europe.

RK^2
 
National agriculture policy on cards

It seems lot is happening on agriculture front. Foloowing two developments need attention of our farming community;

1. National agriculture policy on cards: http://www.business-standard.com/co...leftindx=2&lselect=1&chklogin=N&autono=210599

2. Development of Village Knowledge Centres by central government in colloboration with Panchayats and Private Business houses.

This is time when some of us can lobby with central government to adopt villages in our area so that we take full advantage of government policies. We will hear more and more about agriculture and rural economy in coming years. It seems integration of village economy with world economy is taking off now.

RK^2
 
There is no doubt that agriculture is boring not only to media person like tavleen singh but to most Jatland members also...LOL.. Here is an interview which Ms tavleen singh conducted with Agriculture minister Mr Pawar;

http://iecolumnists.expressindia.com/full_column.php?content_id=85509

Views expressed by Pawar tells how far we have to go on agriculture front before we can compete globally. Most faremers have no clue of the problems they are facing. Very few Indian farmers look beyond Sampla and Shamli mandies to sell their produce. We had ample number of farmer leaders like Ch. Charan Singh, Devi Lal etc, but the lot of farmers remains same. Looks as if our farmers are not Jats and their problems are those of non-jats. Most help to our farmers end at free electricity..

RK^2
 
Organising JATS: Indian Farmers Concerns

the community can certainly beenfit..
one must organise a meeting of like minded people and form a structure which can have the muscle powers and money to take advantage of the opportunities that may come knocking..

as agriculturists.. JATS would have to come together to globally market their produce and as a first step.. an organisation devoted for the purpose of enabling this should be set up..
 
sir i m from ganganagar , rajasthan. i m from a jat,agri based family. here we have 65 bighas for farming. our all joint family have crops like cotton, wheat, srsoon, gawar on our fields. in my grand father's family we have near 400 bighas . tell me that how we earn more in TRADITIONAL farming. my mail address is sandeepdhaka2002@yahoo.com
 
Dear Sandeep,

I have no idea about the type of earth/clay and sources of irrigation in your area. Also funds at your disposal. Although i am not an expert in Agri/hort but have interest and would like to make a point or two.

You should certainly turn to commercial farming. You can Think of Straberry, Flowers, Viticuture etc. Prob. Straberry and Flowers can be grown on sandy earth and spriklers can be used in case you have less water for irrigation. These products have good export markets other than local market.
With an impetus to long term planning you can opt for Viticulture.

As for viticultue, you can think of your own small winery as well. For financial support you can contact Industries Development and Financial Institutions.

I believe, we have many Agriculture/ Horticulture scientist on Jatland who can offer better advise to Sndeep Bhai.


With cheers & best Wishes!

Sateypal
 
Last edited:
Farmers and banks/ money landers

Bnaking is hardly for name sake for farmers it seems. Though on paper there are many schemes for farmers, but in reality not many want to land to farmers as they are unsure of recovering their money. This is leading farmers to borrow from private landers, who charge exorbitant interest rates. Many farmers are ending in debt trap and resorting to suicide;

http://hindustantimes.com/news/181_1605666,0035.htm

Can India compete globally with such faulty policies ? Politics of power has to pave way to the politics of national interest. Every life matters if we have to face the world.

Rajendra
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top