Kisan Mazdoor Commission proposes an FPO-style cooperative approach to sharing resources
The Kisan Mazdoor Commission, a platform of numerous activists and organisations, presented an agenda on Tuesday for the welfare of farmers and agricultural labourers, urging political parties to include it in their manifestos. The executive summary has been released, but the complete study will take some time, according to the leaders.
According to the agenda, the power to pool resources for value addition and establish local collectives such as Kisan Mazdoor Cooperatives (KMCs) or group companies will be provided. When asked how it differs from farmer producer organizations (FPOs), Vijoo Krishnan stated that while FPOs are founded by corporations on its behalf, KMCs will be true grassroots collectives with shareholders including landless farmers and farm laborers.
Among other recommendations on the agenda, the KMC has suggested reopening cattle trade markets, putting an end to the stray cattle problem, and establishing a National Commission for Fisheries to oversee policy implementation, inter-state disputes, and the protection and promotion of small-scale fishing communities’ rights and entitlements.
Furthermore, it has requested that ICAR withdraw from the agreements it inked with Bayer, Amazon, and other global corporations. Furthermore, it proposed that the 15th Finance Commission grant additional budgetary resources to states in order to increase gross capital creation in agriculture as a percentage of GDP from 15.7% to 30%.
“Recognize women as farmers and grant them land rights; secure their tenancy rights over leased lands,” the organization stated on the agenda. It has suggested a total loan waiver for farmers.
The Kisan Mazdoor Commission also condemned the Haryana Police’s actions against farmers protesting at the Shambhu-Punjab border. Also Read | 60 Women farmer FPOs to benefit $2 million grants from Walmart Foundation
The Haryana Police allegedly shot tear gas shells at farmers, injuring several of them, and their “Delhi Chalo” march was halted from entering the state’s territory on the highway. Farmers have been protesting since last month, demanding a legal guarantee of the minimum support price and the adoption of the Swaminathan Commission’s MSP formula.
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