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| Politics Over Policy |
Uttar Pradesh was the first state to declare an agriculture policy that sought to link farmers directly to the boom in organised retail. But within days of the announcement, chief minister Mayawati has rolled back the policy. Intelligence reports indicated that farmers were against contract farming and the entry of private companies in agribusiness, she said on Friday. So, what really happened? Did farmers in the state take lessons in swadeshi economics? Or did middlemen in the farm sector educate the CM and her team about their economic clout and political muscle? The UP policy promised a new deal to the farmer. It sought the entry of big retail companies in agriculture and a direct link between the producer and the consumer. That would have ensured better prices for both the farmer and the consumer.
Nearly 40 per cent of India's farm produce is lost in transit as it travels from the field to the mandi, and later to neighbourhood shops. Nobody, not even middlemen, benefit from this colossal waste of foodstuff. The performance of agriculture, which employs two-third of India's workforce, continues to be a drag on the economy. That is because agriculture has failed to take advantage of the changes in the economy. The modes of production and distribution have remained the same for decades. Mayawati's announced agriculture policy had the potential to address these issues and transform the sector. Of course, such changes invariably impact a few people adversely in the short run. And these are the people who seem to have forced the issue in UP.
Vested interests resist change and people holding public office rarely resist them. Mayawati is not an exception to this trend. Mobs claiming to represent small retailers have ransacked retail shops of business houses in UP and Jharkhand. Rather than confronting the lawbreakers, the UP government has taken the easy option of closing down retail outlets. Earlier, the Kerala government had banned big retail outlets.
India's growth story depends on bold and consistent public policies. A small minority will always oppose change, even if it is good for the country. They need to be coaxed and persuaded. Consensus-building is an essential part of good governance. Smart change management is as crucial for governance as making bold public policy announcements.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Editorial/Politics_Over_Policy/articleshow/2312643.cms |
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