- (1.) We have heard learned counsel for the parties at some length. We were informed by Mr. K.K. Venugopal, learned Attorney General, that a line of action has been adopted by the Central Government to secure the livelihood of individuals involved in agriculture. In this behalf, the following details have been furnished to us : "1. Crop Insurance : 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' (PMFBY) instituted, from Kharif season 2016. This scheme is a huge improvement over the previous schemes (National Agriculture Insurance Scheme). (a) Low premium rates [2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi and 5% for commercial and other crops]. The most competitive premium rate is discovered through a bidding process carried out by the each state government in which public sector and private insurance companies participate, and the difference between the above rates specified in the PMBFY and the marker determined rate is paid by the government (Central Government and State Government share the burden in equal proportion). b) The farmers get full insurance as the insured amount is required to be equal to the 'scale of finance', which is determined in each district, so that the farmers do not take insurance for a value less than their cost of production. c) All farmers who avail of crop loans (loanee farmers) are mandatorily covered under this scheme and the premium amount is automatically deducted from their loan amounts. d) Insurance cover provided for all stages of the crop cycle. 2. To bring more farmers into the institutional fold, the government is taking steps to ensure the availability of crop loans to all farmers through commercial banks, cooperative banks and Regional Rural banks (RRBs). For 2017-2018, the target for agricltural credit is Rs. 10 Lakh crores, as compared to Rs. 9 lakh crores last year. Short term loans provided at an interest rate of 7%, which is reduced to 4% in case of prompt repayment (interest subvention). The benefit of interest subvention extended to small and marginal farmers having Kisan Credit Cards for a further period of 6 months post harvest, to encourage farmers to store crops in warehouses. 3. Kisan Credit Card (KCC), which is also ATM enabled, has been introduced, to enable farmers to purchase raw materials, and to draw cash. 4. RBI has allowed banks to take a lenient view on rescheduling of loans if crop loss is more than 33%. 5. To enable farmers to get remunerative prices on their produce, the government has introduced the 'e-NAM' scheme [e - National Agricultural Market]. The Government intends to ultimately create a single unified market for the country. 6. Other market reforms are also being undertaken, such as drafting a Model Act called 'State/U.T. Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017' which ensures multiple market channels to prevent monopolies. 7. Steps are being taken to promote land pooling and discouraging land fallows, by adopting Model land leasing laws. A draft law has been prepared by the Niti Aayog and shared with the States and U.Ts. 8. Current regime for felling and transport of trees in non-forest and private lands is being liberalized to promote agro-forestry and diversity farmers' income basket. 9. The government targets to double farmers' incomes by the year 2022, through the introduction of modern technology and the strengthening of markets. This shifts the focus, from a production approach (i.e. merely increase production without necessarily increasing profitability) to an income approach (i.e. increase incomes and profitability in the agriculture sector). 10. Soil Health Card Scheme is being implemented, to provide each farmer the status of the soil on his/her land, based on 12 parameters. 11. Neem Coated Urea is being promoted, to enhance nitrogen availability to the crops and reduce fertiliser use. The expected saving is 10% of Urea consumption, thereby reducing the cost of cultivation and improved health management. 12. Better quality seeds are being made available to farmers. 13. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) launched on 01.07.2015, to provide end-to-end irrigation solutions for farmers. 14. A sub-Mission on agricultural mechanization was launched in 2014-15, to promote farm mechanization. 15. Other schemes have also been implemented such as the National Food Security Mission, National Mission for Oilseed and Oil Palm, Mission of Integrated Development for Horticulture, National Mission on Agricultural Extension and technology. 16. The Niti Aayog has been requested to put forth a strategy to address farmers' suicides. 17. Orders have been issued nominating nine Joint Secretary Level Officers in different states in order to coordinate with the State Governments for preparation and implementation of plans of action for addressing this issue."
(2.) Mr. Venugopal painstakingly took us through the details of the projects formulated by the Central Government and informed us, that 5.34 crore farmers, out of a total of 12 crore farmers, already stand covered by one or the other of the afore-mentioned schemes. In this behalf, it is also pointed out, that more than 30% of the gross cropped area should be taken as having been already secured. With reference to the number of farmers covered, it is submitted, that the figures will enhance to 50% by the year 2018-19.
(3.) Mr. Colin Gonsalves, learned senior counsel appearing for the petitioner, appreciated the schemes introduced by the Central Government, but complained about the deficiency in making them fully operational. It was submitted that if the objectives contemplated under the scheme are fully implemented, the problem of farmers' suicide will substantially be taken care of.;