3 farm laws to be repealed, Modi tells nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday his government was repealing the three farm laws that had triggered protests since last year. In an address to the nation, Modi said the government would initiate the legal procedure to repeal the farm laws in the coming Winter Session of Parliament. He appealed to farmers protesting against the farm laws to return to their fields.

Modi said his government had brought the three farm laws to help small farmers. He said the laws intended to provide small farmers better prices for their produce and also expanded access to their produce. He said previous governments had deliberated passage of such reform laws. Modi said the laws had been welcomed by many farmers' groups and he thanked those groups.

He said his government had brought the laws in national interest and for welfare of farmers. “But we could not convince some farmers,” Modi said. Modi said the welfare of these opponents of the farm laws was also important for his government.

Modi said his government had sought to understand the views and concerns of those opposing the farm laws. Seeking forgiveness of the country, Modi said his government could not convince some farmers about the farm laws.

Modi said “Many people are unaware of this truth that 80 out of 100 farmers are small-scale farmers who have less than 2 hectares of land and are over 10 crore in population. This piece of land is their survival.”

Modi said his government had worked to provide small farmers seeds, fertilisers and irrigation schemes and expanded access to markets.

Modi also mentioned his government had worked to expand insurance and pension schemes to such small farmers.

Modi pointed out that he extensively observed and experienced the hardships of farmers. He declared his government had given high priority to farmers' welfare.