The concern raised by farmers that the new Farm Laws were in favour of Corporates and that the future of farmers would become questionable if these laws are implemented is being debated around the world. Regardless of the restrictions, cold, rain, farmers, especially those from Punjab and Haryana are continuing to protest. The non-BJP parties, farmers’ affiliates, student unions and trade unions across the country have supported. On the other hand, the government’s negotiations with the farmers’ unions have not been successful.
Reliance Industries has recently made a sensational announcement. They have declined plans to buy directly from farmers, corporate farming or contract farming, and would not do so in the near future. Suppliers who procure agricultural products for themselves will also be advised to pay a minimum support price and in no way, it would be detrimental to the country’s farmers.
There is a reason for the Reliance to make an announcement. The names of Ambani and Adani have become prominent in the Modi government. The BJP has been criticised for supporting the corporate companies. With farmers giving calls against Reliance in some states, it has shown an impact on the products of the company.
There have been attacks on Reliance group companies like Jio Telecom and 1,500 towers were damaged. Shops were also attacked in some states, several Jio users even ported their sims to other companies. The company felt that the agitation may lead to an anti-reliance movement in the country. In this scenario, Reliance approached the High Court and sought the protection of their employees and properties. The company said that there were some forces behind the attacks.
There is no progress in talks between farmers and the government. The farmers want the government to withdraw these Acts. In this context, the clarity by Reliance has become a topic of discussion. The company said that it will not procure from farmers and that it will ask its suppliers to provide MSP to them. It also said that it will not buy farmlands.
The companies do not run in a single name. They show it as a Third-Party Company. This could be in the media, service sector and others. The “supplier” mentioned in the statement issued by Reliance is a cause for doubt. Analysts say that even if Reliance’s words are believed now people cannot do anything if the supplier will be from the Group companies. That is why there are doubts, say analysts. It remains to be seen how far the Reliance statement as a whole will appease the farmers.