Food For Thought!

For over four months now, the farmers have been protesting against the new farm bill.

The community on social media, that has been so vocal about a host of social issues, is maintaining a rather intriguing silence on the protests. It’s just been a few sporadic voices that soon fall quiet.

Does this mean we are simultaneously selfish and ignorant? Selfish, for we think it’s someone else battle, let’s not worry about it. Ignorant, for it is actually, the single most important problem concerning us today, about what will be on our dinner plates tomorrow.

Farmers have always been on their fields, tending to their crops, feeding the world. Today they are on the roads instead, braving water canons and tear gas shells.

I do not know if the farm bills would do more good or bad to the farmers. I do not know if the Government’s move is pro corporate or anti-farmer. I do not know if private entrants will/will not improve agriculture infrastructure. I do not know if private mandi’s will guarantee better MSPs. I do not know if farmers are incited by those with ulterior motives.

All I know is they are farmers, not terrorists. Every morsel of food we consume is watered by their sweat. Time to show some gratitude. Now that they are apprehensive of a purported law, let’s hear them out and allay all fears. Let’s treat them with respect.

And dear opposition parties, there are many issues of national significance you are either blissfully unaware of or conveniently silent on. Let agriculture be the last issue to be politicized.

Praying for an amicable resolution to the crisis.

(pl feel free to correct me , if I am wrong :) )