Use demonetisation to secure well-being of poor farmers, says agricultural scientist

CHENNAI: Renowned agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan on Saturday called upon the governments to make use of demonetisation as an opportunity to secure the economic wellbeing of the poor farmers in the country.
In a statement, he said, “It is important to take into account potential implications (of demonetisation) on more than sixty per cent of our population engaged in farming.” Noting that the government has taken steps to help farmers obtain necessary inputs, he adds, “Every calamity is also an opportunity for progress.I, therefore suggest that immediately state governments adopt a demonetisation, management package for agriculture. The difficulties caused by demonetisation could be used for the improvement and streamlining of credit access and delivery mechanism.”
He suggested that demonetisation could be an occasion to popularize Kisan credit cards, while making it available for not only to men farmers but also to all women farmers. “The credit card should be in a position to help farmers purchase the needed inputs without much difficulty. Demonetisation could then lead to a new era in agriculture,” he said.