Discussions emailed to author at
rbala43@gmail.com on the subject will be presented here
My thoughts:
The book is written from the farmers' point of view
Farming is one of the most taxing professions, but does not get the recognition it deserves
Agriculture has to become agribusiness in every sense of the word
Technology, entrepreneurship and management are as important to farming as they are for industry
Farmers have to organise themselves as commercial entities to add value to the primary produce and benefit from them
Only an organised collective of farmers can bargain with the rest of the economy and the policy makers.
Political patronage is detrimental to farmer's progress.
Farmers deserve subsidies determined objectively and delivered transparently. Part of the subsidy should be for organising farmers into commercial entities professionally managed.
The other form of subsidy needed is to reduce premia against insurable risks.
According to Economic Times Gujarat has achieved agriculture growth of about 10%. Then where is the question of aiming a 4% growth for agriculture at the national level?
Farmers collectives should be free to market their produce anywhere they can get the best prices. Restrictions on movement of produce and enroute taxes are anti-farmer.
The futures markets should be supported by efficient and transparent spot markets where there is genuine competition among buyers
Farmers should be enabled to access extension and weather information online.
In a democracy people should judge politicians strictly by what they do. Their words and looks are irrelevant. We have to learn how to have a healthy disrespect for celebrities.