India Approves National Policy for Farmers

The Government of India approved a National Policy for Farmers which aims to improve the economic viability of farming by substantially improving the net income of farmers. The policy also seeks to improve productivity, profitability, land, water and support services and provide appropriate price policy and risk management measures. It is largely based on a draft national policy for farmers prepared by the National Commission on Farmers headed by Prof. M. S. Swaminathan. 

The main provisions include: new technologies such as biotechnology, information and communication technology (ICT), renewable energy technology, and nano-technology to provide opportunities for launching an “Evergreen Revolution” capable of improving productivity on a sustainable basis; establish an integrated National Agricultural Biosecurity System (NABS) covering crops, animal husbandry, fisheries, forestry and agriculturally relevant microorganisms; and setting up of Farm Schools, Gyan Chaupals and a comprehensive National Social Security Scheme. Other provisions are the strengthening market intervention scheme and community food grain banks, development of single national market by relaxing internal restrictions, and control and expanding food security basket.

The policy also suggests measure to attract and retain educated youth in farming and to work out a comprehensive medium term strategy for food and nutrition security. The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture will constitute an inter-ministerial committee for preparing a suitable plan of action to implement  the new policy.

Download a copy of the national policy for farmers 2007 at http://www.agricoop.nic.in/NPF/npff2007.pdf. For more nformation on biotech in India contact: Bhagirath Choudhary of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications  South Asia Office at b.choudhary@isaaa.org.