Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday claimed that the ongoing anti-farm law protests are only limited to a "particular state" and that there is no problem in the controversial farm laws. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government is committed towards the welfare of farmers.

While speaking in the Parliament during the ongoing Budget session, Tomar took a dig at Congress and other protesting parties saying, "I want to thank the Opposition that they discussed the three farm laws and even called them the black laws."

"I have been asking the farmers unions how are these laws black laws? But no one has been able to explain it to me," he claimed.

The Agriculture Minister then added that if the government is ready to make amendments, it doesn't mean there is any problem in the farm laws. People in a particular state are being misinformed about the farm laws, he said.

"Farmers are being misled that others would occupy their land if these laws are implemented. Let me know if there is a single provision in Contract Farming law which allows any trader to snatch away the land of any farmer," questioned NS Tomar.

Explaining the government's initiatives regarding the controversial laws, the Union Minister said, "We have started to provide MSP, 50 per cent more than the production cost. Also, Rs 1 lakh crore agriculture infrastructure fund has been given under Atmanirbhar package. We have tried to ensure the requisite investment reaches the agriculture sector."

He added that the government aims to double farmers' income and contribution of the agriculture sector to GDP increases rapidly.

"These agriculture laws are also an important step in this direction. I want to tell this House and farmers that PM Modi is committed towards welfare of farmers," asserted Narendra Singh Tomar.

Talking about government's financial aid to the Agri sector, Tomar said the 15th Finance Commission has recommended for providing Rs 2.36 lakh crore to gram panchayats, which has been accepted by the Cabinet.

Around Rs 43,000 crore have been sanctioned for healthcare in rural areas. Rs 2.8 lakh crore will be spent via gram panchayats in 5 years, he announced.

Tomar went on to claim that the Centre has continuously increased the funds for MGNREGA. "When COVID-19 hit the country, we raised the fund allocation to MGNREGA from Rs 61,000 crores to Rs 1.15 lakh crore. More than 10 crore people were provided employment," said the minister.

Source: Times Now