Digital Agriculture Mission Criticised by AIKS Over Corporatisation Fears

The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has voiced strong opposition to the recently sanctioned Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM), arguing it will lead to the corporatisation of agriculture. AIKS, the farmers' wing of the CPIM, urged the Union government to significantly boost public investment in agriculture.

Representative image

Union Government's New Schemes

On September 2, 2024, the BJP-led Union Government approved seven new schemes for agriculture and allied sectors, with a total budget of nearly Rs 14,000 crore. The AIKS criticised this move, claiming it is a calculated strategy to corporatise agriculture. They also pointed out that this initiative comes at a time when the government's promise of doubling farmers' income remains unfulfilled.

The AIKS statement highlighted that the Union government should urgently increase public investment in agriculture. They called for ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) at C2 plus 50 per cent with guaranteed procurement and reducing production costs by removing GST on all agricultural inputs.

Debt Waiver and Public Sector Support

AIKS further demanded that the government should waive the debt burden of farmers and cooperatives supported by public sector entities and government departments. They also stressed the need for research institutions to aid in this effort.

The Centre announced seven programmes on Monday aimed at boosting agriculture and allied sectors, with a combined outlay of nearly Rs 14,000 crore. These programmes include a Rs 2,817-crore digital agriculture mission and a Rs 3,979-crore scheme for crop science.

Criticism of Modi Regime's Policies

AIKS criticised the agrarian policies under Modi's regime, describing them as heavily influenced by extreme free-market ideologies. They cited the controversial Land Acquisition Ordinance and the stringent Farm Laws as examples of pro-corporate and anti-farmer policies. "The fierce resistance of the peasantry forced Modi to withdraw both," stated AIKS.

The AIKS statement concluded by urging immediate action to support farmers through increased public investment and policy changes that favour their interests over corporate agendas.