Hyderabad, June 30: In a bid to increase agricultural productivity and to benefit the farming community, the Rajasekhara Reddy Government has decided to implement cooperative farming on an experimental basis in near future, either during this Kharif or the next Rabi season. It has, however, made it clear that the project will be implemented only if farmers come forward voluntarily to be a part of the project.
At an all-party meeting on `co-operative farming’ convened by the government at Jubilee Hall Monday, there was some ambiguity in the Telugu Desam thinking as one member welcomed the proposal while another strongly opposed it. Even the Lok Satta Party opposed co-operative farming in the present circumstances.
Members of other political parties invited the government’s proposal.
They, however, suggested the government to take steps to remove farmers’ apprehensions on the proposal.
Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy said that the proposal of cooperative farming was intended to take up agricultural operations in an integrated manner by adopting latest precision farming techniques and mechanisation along with access to market and quality inputs.
Besides, activities like dairy, poultry, horticulture, sericulture, food processing etc.
were also proposed under the scheme. Fragmentation of land has resulted in low agricultural productivity. Initially, it was proposed to take up the project on a pilot basis by selecting two villages in each of the district. Steps would be taken to ensure protection of farmers maximum earnings in a year. Government’s interference would be minimum, but would extend maximum support.
National Farmers Commission chairman MS Swaminathan observed that cooperative farming would benefit farmers a lot. He, however, called for farmers’ enlightenment and for creation of more avenues for non-farm employment before implementation of the project.
“Political parties’ cooperation is a must for success of cooperative farming,’’ he said. TDP floor leader in the Legislative Council Dadi Veerabhadra, Rao while welcoming the government’s initiative, suggested steps to protect farmers’ rights on their land holdings.
On the other hand, TDP senior member Gali Muddukrishnama Naidu strongly opposed the proposal, saying that a similar experiment in the past was a total failure.
Farmers would benefit only if the government provided minimum support price for their produce and timely supply of fertilizers and other inputs, he said.
Shobha Nagi Reddy (PRP), E Rajender (TRS), Mallesh, P Nageshwara Rao (both CPI), J Ranga Reddy (CPM), G Kishan Reddy (BJP), BV Mohan Reddy (PRT council member) participated in the discussion.
Agriculture Technology Mission deputy chairman DA Somayajulu made a presentation on cooperatives.
Agriculture Minister N Raghuveera Reddy presided over the meeting.
–IANS–