The policy, among other things, aims to improve the economic viability of farming by substantially improving the net income of farmers in addition to improving productivity, profitability, land, water and support services and provide appropriate price policy, risk management measures.
Observing that the policy was primarily based on the recommendations of the National Commission on Farmers headed by M S Swaminathan, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said the draft policy suggested by the panel as well as suggestions received from various central ministries and state governments were taken into account while finalising it.
The apex court also observed that the compensation is not the remedy for the suicides.
Government's claim of a "considerable" drop in farmers' suicides in the country did not impress the Supreme Court which on Friday said there should be no such cases at all.
'It is a national shame that the only country that enacted a food security act is now better known as the land of farmer suicides. Indian farming can change only if national irrigation policy is implemented in totality,' Dr M S Swaminathan tells Shobha Warrier/Rediff.com
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances