Apr 04, 2008 01:02 PM
1423 Views
So hear about sad part of our farming and agri sector.I will tell how private MNCs created problem for farming sector in India.
Previously farmers used to nicely engage in farming and earn their livelihood. Later came foreign companies to sell their genetically modified seeds that promise better yields. But what happened is something different. These GM seeds were not designed taking into considering Indian climate and soil. The yield decreased drastically. This is happening from past 6-7 years. American companies like Monsanto, their share holders in America and politicians are earning cool profits at the expense of decreasing output of Indian farmers.
When you purchase seeds there is clearly written on bag that it is 65% effective. Now I will tell you what it means. It means only 65% of seeds will germinate! Ie you have to pay for 100% but will get crops from 65% and actually hardly 50% seeds germinate. Previously organic seeds were supplied by govt outlets which had effectiveness of up to 90%. Now cotton seeds of Monsanto are only available. These are also very highly priced.
The cotton plants and other shoots of other crops of GM are also poisonous. Farmers used to feed the crop remains to Cattle. The cattle are then affected with some unknown ailments and then they die. Previously no one knew this. Later they came to know that these GM crops are the culprits. Not only many farmers have lost their priceless cattle, now farmers have to shell out extra money to rear their remaining ones.
There is whole mafia operating in rural areas. If farmer doesn’t purchase the costly seeds then traders refuse to sell those Pesticides and subsidized fertilizer.Farmers have badly suffered due to less rains for past many years. They sow seeds after taking loans from private moneylenders. Due to bad seed, pesticides and synthetic untested fertilizer and lack of water half of the crops get destroyed. They can see the efforts of their months getting destroyed. That is not enough government refuses to increase the support price of agri products that they purchase. Reason they give is lack of funds.
So in short the problems are increasing year after year but no solution worth mentioning is being proposed by government.What they did recently was announced package of 60, 000 crore for loan waiver.Though its welcome step it still doesnt solve many fundamental problems in Agri sector.
