Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar challenges opposition to point out flaws in farm laws

NEW DELHI: Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar has said the three farm laws were part of his government’s move to ensure profitable prices for farmers. In his first speech in Parliament on the subject, Tomar challenged the Rajya Sabha opposition and protesters to point out anomalies in the laws.

Tomar said since the country was now self-sufficient in food stock, focus should be on policies that are profit-centric. The farm laws, along with other steps like PM-Kisan, neem coated urea and value addition to crop produce, are a step in this direction. Participating in the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, Tomar said “what is black in these so-called black laws. I heard the Opposition members and protesters say the provisions of these laws are against the farmers. When I asked which were these provisions, they did not answer,” he said.

He emphasised that the trade laws clearly state that any place outside APMC mandis is a trade area for the farmer, be it his home or field. He said that the new central laws state there would be no tax on sale of crops while state laws impose a tax. “For any trade outside APMC there will be no central tax whereas the state laws bind farmers to pay tax. The agitation should be against those imposing the tax not on those removing it. The reverse is happening in the country,” he said. Tomar rubbished reports that the laws would lead to farmers losing their land. “Tell me one provision in these laws that says so. Farming is done with water, not blood. Congress can do farming with blood, we don’t,” Tomar said.


State laws on agriculture trade are tougher. Citing the case of Punjab, he said there was a provision that in contract farming a defaulting farmer can be sent to jail. There is also a clause for Rs 5 lakh fine.

For any trade outside APMC, there will be no central tax whereas the state laws bind farmers to pay tax. The agitation should be against those imposing the tax not on those removing it.