The Press Club in New Delhi announced the Kisan Mazdoor Commission (KMC), a platform dedicated to addressing the systemic issues plaguing the agricultural sector. With the looming general elections, this initiative aims to delve deeper into the challenges faced by farmers and laborers, surpassing the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission. The KMC seeks to confront the escalating corporate dominance in the supply chain of agricultural inputs, which has led to soaring production costs for farmers and dwindling incomes from agricultural produce.
Genesis of Kisan Mazdoor Commission
The genesis of the KMC lies in extensive deliberations among experts, farmers, labor unions, and farm workers' unions, operating under the banner of 'Nation for Farmers.' Over time, this coalition evolved into the KMC, setting itself apart by striving to integrate workers and farmers directly into agricultural policy discussions. Jagmohan Singh has been appointed as the national convenor, with Vijoo Krishnan, Navsharan Kaur, Roma Malik, Dinesh Abrol, P. Sainath, Thomas Franco, and Nikhil Dey serving as members.
The KMC's ambitious 'Agenda for 2024' encompasses a study of various aspects including the rising production costs, income augmentation, trade and investment dynamics, rural credit and insurance mechanisms, ecological sustainability, food security, gender inclusivity in farming, and the promotion of rural non-farm enterprises.
Urge to Political Parties Ahead of Lok Sabha Election 2024
In a recent development, the Kisan Mazdoor Commission released a preliminary agenda on March 19, urging political parties to incorporate its recommendations into their manifestos. While the executive summary has been made public, the full report is expected to be unveiled shortly.
One of the pivotal proposals put forth by the KMC is the empowerment of farmers and laborers to collectively pool resources for value addition, advocating for the establishment of grassroots-level collectives such as Kisan Mazdoor Cooperatives (KMCs) or group enterprises. Notably, these initiatives aim to distinguish themselves from traditional Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by ensuring genuine grassroots participation, including that of landless farmers and laborers as shareholders.
KMC Recommendations
Among its list of recommendations, the KMC has advocated for the reopening of cattle trade markets to tackle the menace of stray cattle and proposed the establishment of a National Commission for Fisheries to oversee policy implementation and safeguard the rights of small-scale fishing communities. Additionally, the commission has called for a reassessment of agreements between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and multinational corporations like Bayer and Amazon, emphasizing the need for enhanced budgetary allocations to states from the 15th Finance Commission to bolster agricultural capital formation.
Highlighting gender equality concerns, the KMC has underscored the importance of recognizing women as farmers and ensuring their land rights and tenancy security over leased lands.
Furthermore, the commission has voiced its staunch opposition to the recent actions by the Haryana Police against protesting farmers at the Shambhu border, advocating for a complete loan waiver for farmers.
The Kisan Mazdoor Commission, headquartered in Delhi, collaborates with over 23 farmers and labor committees, championing their rights and welfare. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the KMC signify a concerted effort towards ushering in structural reforms to empower the backbone of India's economy - its farmers and laborers.
