NEW DELHI, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday he had decided to repeal three controversial farm laws against which farmers have protested for more than a year, a significant climbdown by the government.
"Today I have come to tell you, the whole country, that we have decided to withdraw all three agricultural laws," Modi said in an address to the nation.
"In the parliament session starting later this month, we will complete the constitutional process to repeal these three agricultural laws."
The legislation the farmers object to, introduced in September last year, deregulates the sector, allowing farmers to sell produce to buyers beyond government-regulated wholesale markets, where growers are assured of a minimum price.
Small farmers say the changes make them vulnerable to competition from big business, and that they could eventually lose price support for staples such as wheat and rice.
The government says reform of the sector, which accounts for about 15% of the $2.7 trillion economy, means new opportunities and better prices for farmers.
The laws were to empower small farmers, but the government failed to convince some farmers who have been opposing the new laws, Modi said.
You can share this post!
Content
The Sri Lanka Army has launched in internal investigation into the accident at the Fox Hill super-Cross races in Diyathalwa yesterday claiming seven lives.
An opportunity to travel to Japan for employment as skilled workers is being offered under a programme known as ‘Jayagamu’ Sri Lanka, announced by Labour Minister Manusha Nanayakkara.
Railway General Manager H.M.K.B. Bandara passed away of a sudden illness today in Anuradhapura.
Leave Comments