Keypoints:
- The Kerala assembly passed a unanimous resolution demanding the repeal of all three agricultural laws enacted by Centre.
- The resolution was passed by voice vote with all 140 MLA’s supporting it.
On Thursday, the Kerala assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Government to consider the demands of the agitating farmers and see to it that immediate measures are taken to repeal the three contentious farm laws.
The resolution was movies by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and it said that the Delhi is witnessing historic agitation by farmers.
“When legislation cause a great degree of anxiety among the people to be affected by them, the legislative assemblies have the responsibility to consider that anxiety,” the Chief Minister said, expressing solidarity with the farmers.“It is a matter of grave concern that these important legislation did not come even under the consideration of the Parliamentary Standing Committee.’’
He added that agriculture is listed as a state subject in the Constitution and a matter that directly affects the states, the Union government should have taken steps to discuss the issue in the inter-state council meeting.
Punjab had become the first state to pass a resolution against the contentious farm laws in October.
The BJP-led central government has said that the “landmark” laws are beneficial for small farmers and will give them choice to sell their produce as per their choice. These laws are the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act 2020. Together, they will allow big corporations to buy directly from farmers, bypassing decades-old regulations.
The two principal demands of a repeal of three new farm laws and a legal guarantee of minimum support prices yet to be discussed. On Wednesday, the Government did not discuss on the core demands,deferring them till the next round of talks on January 4, which the farmers have agreed to participate in.
How Kerala is affected by farm laws:
Kerala farmers are indirectly impacted by the farm laws as the state does not have mandis. Around 80 per cent of agri-produces are cash crops, with each crop having commodity boards and different market dynamics. Kerala depends upon other states for food grains and pulses. Being a consumer state, Kerala fears that abolition of mandi system would affect its interest and lead to hike in prices.
