The Punjab government may be convinced that the three farm laws passed by the Centre are not in the interest of farmers, but ask the farmers, and it is not so black-and-white.

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A survey conducted by Gaon Connection among more than 5,000 farmers across 16 states has thrown some interesting findings. Majority of those polled are marginal farmers and only 28 percent are medium and large farmers. 52 percent of farmers polled said they are against the 3 new agri legislations and 35 percent said they support the farm bills and the issue of MSP (minimum support price) is the bone of contention. 57 percent farmers who oppose the legislations say they fear being forced to sell their produce at a lower price. This is the key reason for the opposition.

There are some clues on why states like Punjab, Haryana along with states in south India came out vociferously in their opposition. 78 percent of farmers in Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh sell their crop at MSP. This number is 75 percent in case of Punjab and Haryana and only 26 percent in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. They say that they are selling their crop at MSP. This could be a reason why protests in these states were not as forceful as elsewhere.

Views of the farmers are complex. While MSP remains a key concern, a majority 63 percent support the changes to the essential commodities act. A majority 46 percent also support the new law that enables contract farming even as 40 percent oppose the decision. Neelesh Misra, founder of Gaon Connection, discussed the findings in details.

First Published:Oct 20, 2020 8:45 PM IST