Complexities of India's Agricultural System
India’s agriculture is evolving due to the Green Revolution, economic liberalization, and advancements in technology.
Diverse Stakeholders: The agricultural system now includes not just farmers and traders but also logistics suppliers, transporters, processors, and retailers.
Economic power is increasingly shared among various players in the agro-food value chain, affecting traditional roles of farmers and traders.
The intersection of caste and agricultural roles has changed employment patterns, with lower caste workers finding jobs in logistics and processing sectors, rather than just on farms.
Political discourse has primarily focused on farmer issues without adequately considering the perspectives and needs of other stakeholders
Need for Political Parties to Engage with All Stakeholders
Political parties should recognize the complexity of the agricultural system and engage with all stakeholders, not just farmers.
Political strategies should move away from the binary narrative of ‘farmers versus traders’ and instead promote collaboration and mutual support among all parties involved.
Other nations, like the Netherlands, focus on enhancing stakeholder capacities and fostering dialogue rather than creating divisions, which could be a model for India.
Parties should incorporate a systemic approach in political campaigns, acknowledging the changing landscape of agriculture and the contributions of various actors.
Emphasis should be on creating policies that protect farmers while also supporting the diverse interests of other stakeholders in the agro-food value chain.
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