The enduring saga of Shajahanpur, a historical bastion in Uttar Pradesh, tells a tale of flexibility and struggle that spans from the epoch of India’s freedom movement to the present-day agrarian challenges faced by its farmers. Known for its fertile tracts that contribute significantly to India’s wheat production, Shajahanpur is now at the forefront of a new kind of struggle—against economic disparities and evolving market dynamics. The district, which was once the battleground for freedom fighters like Ram Prasad Bismil, is now the field where modern-day farmers wrestle with the intricacy of agricultural economics and market forces. The narrative of Balwinder Singh and his family exemplifies this transition. Having migrated from Punjab in the 1970s, they introduced progressive farming techniques to Shajahanpur. Today, Balwinder manages vast wheat fields, yet grapples with inadequate minimum support prices (MSP) that scarcely cover production costs, a plight echoed by many in his community. This plight is sharpened by the shifting gears of market mechanisms and governmental policies. While the introduction of modern machinery and the expansion of local markets like the ones in Powayan have brought about mechanization and better infrastructure, they have also ushered in challenges tied to pricing and procurement. Farmers like Balwinder are caught in a conundrum where the promise of better returns from multinational companies is tempered by the fear of price manipulations.

The issue is compounded by the government’s procurement strategy, which often bypasses the traditional Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs), aiming to deal directly with farmers. While this direct approach might seem beneficial, it risks marginalizing the role of commission agents, who have been integral to the region’s agricultural fabric. Such shifts not only affect the farmers but also disrupt the established systems that have sustained rural economies for decades. Global events like the conflict in Ukraine have indirectly influenced local markets, pushing up international wheat prices and affecting domestic policies, such as India’s ban on wheat exports. This has had a dual effect—while potentially safeguarding national food security, it has also limited farmers’ access to lucrative export markets, thereby stifling their potential earnings. The scenario in Shajahanpur is a microcosm of the broader agricultural challenges facing India. It calls for a balanced approach that respects traditional practices while embracing modernization and ensuring that policies are both farmer-friendly and adaptive to global dynamics. As stakeholders, from policymakers to farmers, sail these turbulent waters, the essence of their struggle remains rooted in a quest for equity and sustainability in agriculture. The government’s role should thus rotate towards creating policies that not only protect but also empower the agricultural community, ensuring that the fields of Shajahanpur continue to flourish, not just survive.

By Vishal Parihar Sir

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