The Hindu Business Line : Agri reforms to show `favourable' results

THE Government's recent initiatives to reform the country's land laws, produce markets and extension services are expected to soon show favourable results even as several State Governments have started to evince interest in the development of agriculture, according to Mr R.C.A. Jain, Union Agriculture Secretary.

Delivering a special address at the Business Asia conference on `making the commodities market work' held here, Mr Jain expressed optimism that the farm income insurance scheme to be operational from 2004 Rabi season will ensure farmers to obtain at least the minimum support price without the Government having to undertake procurement. "The Government wants to slowly withdraw from procurement by introducing programmes that would deliver assured prices to farmers," he said, adding that the scheme will cover wheat and rice to start with.

To a specific question from Business Line, he responded that open-ended procurement of wheat and rice will be terminated in the near future and that procurement will be limited to what is required for public distribution system, welfare schemes and food security purposes.

To facilitate marketing of farm goods, rural infrastructure is being strengthened and warehouse receipts law is being examined, Mr Jain said.

The Government will soon set up "call-centres" across the country to enable farmers to phone-in with their questions and have access to relevant information. This is in addition to "agri-clinics" that are run by agricultural graduates. Commenting on the adverse effect of massive farm subsidies granted by developed countries on global agri-business and more specifically on developing countries, Mr Jain said if the US and the European Union reduced farm support, world agri-commodity prices would rise and make Indian farm produce competitive.

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