Over 850 academicians support new farm laws, say these open market beyond 'mandis'

New Delhi [India], January 1 (ANI): Over 850 academicians from different parts of the country have strongly supported the agricultural reform laws brought by the government, saying these Acts seek to free farm trade from restrictions and enable farmers to sell their produce at competitive prices.
In a statement, the academicians who also include a few Vice-Chancellors, said that union government has repeatedly assured the farmers that these three farm laws will not do away with Minimum Support Price (MSP) "but rather free the farm trade from all illicit market restrictions, open the market beyond 'mandis' and further assists the small and marginal farmers to sell their produce at market/competitive prices".
"The new laws also provide full autonomy for farmers to sell their produce. We strongly believe in the government's assurance to the farmers to protect their livelihoods. The government is still firmly committed to delivering the principle of minimum government, maximum governance," the statement said.
It said that the laws were brought under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of agenda for agro-reforms to benefit the farmers.
The statement said that the bills were passed in the monsoon session of the parliament "with a vibrant discussion".
The statement said India is a country where most of the population is still dependent on agriculture for livelihood.
"We stand in solidarity with both the government and the farmers and salute their intense efforts. We all will live, progress, and develop together and peacefully," the academicians said.
The statement comes amid continued protest by farmers on Delhi borders against the three laws - The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance & Farm Services Act, 2020, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
The government and farmers have held six rounds of talks so far. (ANI)