Third Farmers Bill passed from Rajya Sabha, Opposition protests including Congress continue

New delhi date. Tuesday 22 September 2020

The third farmers' bill has also been passed in the Rajya Sabha amidst a flurry of opposition. The Rajya Sabha approved a bill providing for the removal of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oil, onions and potatoes from the list of essential commodities. The Lok Sabha had on September 15 approved the Essential Items Bill 2020.

The bill provides for deregulation of food items such as cereals, pulses and onions. The bill states that cereals, beans, edible oil, potatoes and onions will not be essential. Government control over production, storage, distribution will end. Will help modernize the food supply chain. Prices will also remain stable for consumers. The stock limit will be applied if the prices of vegetables double.

Earlier on September 20, two important bills related to agriculture were approved by the Rajya Sabha with a resounding vote amid a roar from opposition members. Both the bills are being hailed by the government as an important step towards the biggest reform ever linked to the agricultural sector in the country.

Agricultural Production Trade and Commerce Bill 2020, Farmers can sell crops at any place of their choice. One can trade from other states without any difficulty. Buying and selling is also possible outside the scope of APMC. Online sales will be through electronic trending. This will save marketing costs, and get the best price. There will be no tax on the sale of crops.

The Farmer Reconciliation and Agricultural Services Bill 2020 on Value Assurance will become a system of contract farming at the national level. The risk will be on the negotiator, not the farmers. The farmer will sell the crop to the companies at his own price. Farmers' income will increase. The intermediary rule will end. Dispute settlement will be arranged within the stipulated time.

Opposition groups called for a boycott of the Rajya Sabha

In the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, some Congress-led opposition forces boycotted the proceedings demanding cancellation of the suspension of eight members. Congress was the first to boycott the proceedings. After which AAP, Trinamool Congress and Left Dal members also boycotted the proceedings. Later, Rakampa, SP and RJD members also walked out of the house.