RURAL URBAN LAND SYSTEMS

FIELD TRIP REPORT

Submitted by:

Lavanya Lalan
Rohit Nathan
Smriti Singh
Trishla Sharma
s

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, PUBLIC POLICY, AND SOCIAL

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(AMBEDKAR UNIVERSITY DELHI)

Submitted To:
DR. K. VALENTINA
The Field Visit report

Report on Haryana Agriculture and Farmer Welfare

A brief scenario

Known as the “Bread Basket of India”, Haryana has been in the forefront in terms of
adoption of latest technologies in agriculture and is also counted as one of the leading states
for Agriculture production in the country. The ideal location of state bordering National
Capital Region (NCR) enables access to a range of big markets and the international airport.
The state ranks second in the country in fish productivity per hectare and has been declared as
a ‘Fish Disease Free State’ by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The structure of
economy of Haryana is similar to that of country’s economy. Of total food grains produced in
the state, contribution of wheat and rice was 11.3 and 4.15 Million Tonnes respectively.
Haryana is the 4th largest producer of wheat in the country with approximately 12 per cent of
total wheat production. Production of horticultural crops in the State was 70.50 lakh
MTduring the year 2015-16. Of the total fertilizer consumption, 77 per cent is Nitrogenous
fertilizers, 21.5 per cent is Phosphoric fertilizer while potassium is mere 1.5 per cent.
Samalkha is the low level administrative division of Panipat district in Haryana state. The
best thing is that it has its own tesil and more over this sub district also has its own municipal
committee. If we talk the industries or occupation in this district are maily related to metals
such as bolts, nuts, iron rods and bathroom fittings? The manufacturing of these products is
done there. As we all know that farmer and the issues faced by farmers is the hot top that is
regularly discussed all over the India but does not gets the solution for that. Similar case
happened during the elections in Haryana because during the election campaigns not a single
party came up with the manifestos related to the crises faced by the farmers. Only they
promise related to debt wavier was presented.
About 20% of the GDP of that state depends on agriculture, but still no action is taken. Chief
minister of the Haryana is not at all liked by the farmers of that state because earlier rates
decided for crops of farmers like mustard was set between 4000-4200 for per 100 kg
depending on quality but now at present they are paid at 3800-4000per 100 kg. This is all
because crops are sold with the help of middle man who also charge their own commission.
Moreover the best source of money for the farmers that is cotton is not purchased by the
government because of the storage problem
There are some problems that one of the farmer from that district discussed about such as
there is water scarcity in that area, so they dont have many sources of irrigation for the
agriculture. The only source of water for them is Bhakra River. The high electricity rate and
fuel rate is also making the process of irrigation very costly.
One of the farmer stated that their main source of occupation is from cotton, wheat and
mustard, but none of them os purchased at the price it should be purchased. The farmers are
forced to sell cotton to the private traders as government does not have the proper space to
store it, so the private traders buy the cotton at very low rate.
One of the farmer stated that we even face the losses from the crop we grow. For example he
particularly stated the example of rice. He said that government usually buy the rice at
1,920/100kg, which is even the less as compared to the production cost of rice. But he also
said that it’s better price as compared to the price of private buyers. He blamed the
government for not having the proper system to promote the agriculture.
Samalkha is the low level administrative division of Panipat district in Haryana state. The
best thing is that it has its own tesil and more over this sub district also has its own municipal
committee. If we talk the industries or occupation in this district are maily related to metals
such as bolts, nuts, iron rods and bathroom fittings? The manufacturing of these products is
done there.
As we all know that farmer and the issues faced by farmers is the hot top that is regularly
discussed all over the India but does not gets the solution for that. Similar case happened
during the elections in Haryana because during the election campaigns not a single party
came up with the manifestos related to the crises faced by the farmers. Only they promise
related to debt wavier was presented.
About 20% of the GDP of that state depends on agriculture, but still no action is taken. Chief
minister of the Haryana is not at all liked by the farmers of that state because earlier rates
decided for crops of farmers like mustard was set between 4000-4200 for per 100 kg
depending on quality but now at present they are paid at 3800-4000per 100 kg. This is all
because crops are sold with the help of middle man who also charge their own commission.
Moreover the best source of money for the farmers that is cotton is not purchased by the
government because of the storage problem.
There are some problems that one of the farmer from that district discussed about such as
there is water scarcity in that area, so they dont have many sources of irrigation for the
agriculture. The only source of water for them is Bhakra River. The high electricity rate and
fuel rate is also making the process of irrigation very costly.
One of the farmer stated that their main source of occupation is from cotton, wheat and
mustard, but none of them os purchased at the price it should be purchased. The farmers are
forced to sell cotton to the private traders as government does not have the proper space to
store it, so the private traders buy the cotton at very low rate.
One of the farmer stated that we even face the losses from the crop we grow. For example he
particularly stated the example of rice. He said that government usually buy the rice at
1,920/100kg, which is even the less as compared to the production cost of rice. But he also
said that its better price as compared to the price of private buyers. He blamed the
government for not having the proper system to promote the agriculture.

Major Issues in Agriculture in Haryana

Earlier, the primary focus of agriculture in the State had been to increase food production and
to improve livelihood of farmers, now agriculture sector is gradually becoming a
technologically driven dynamic profession. However, this success has also given rise to the
second generation problems. Climate change is exacerbating the challenges faced by the
agriculture sector, negatively affecting both crop and livestock systems in most regions. In
the recent past, disease like yellow rust in wheat has appeared as a major challenge in
Haryana.

Farmer’s scenario in the state

Schemes and programmes have been regularly introduced to enhance productivity, value
addition, market linkages, investments and partnerships which have played a significant role
giving a major boost to agriculture and agribusiness in the State, and thus farmers’ incomes.
Of total 36.41 lakh KCCs issued in the state, 47 percent are issues by commercial banks, 37
per cent by cooperative banks and 16 per cent by RRBs. To prevent burning of crop residue
and its better management, the Government has proposed an action plan for straw
management equipments, training and demonstrations. The Government’s “Horticulture
Vision” is to double the area under horticulture and triple the horticulture production in the
State by 2030. A plan scheme to check malpractices/ adulteration in Fertilizer/ Pesticides,
Seeds and to ensure good quality of agricultural inputs to the farmers. The scheme aims to 34
Soil Testing Laboratories by providing chemicals, glass-wares equipment’s and other
requirements. Management of natural resources for enhanced agriculture productivity on
sustainable basis by conservation, development & sustainable management of resources and
enhancement of agriculture productivity and production in a sustainable manner. The land
holdings of the farmers are becoming smaller and smaller with further division and
fragmentation.

Major Problems Faced by Farmers

1. Decreasing farm productivity coupled with increasing cost of cultivation and poor price
realization is pushing farmers especially in small and marginal categories into poverty trap.
2. Quality seed ensured 15- 20% yield enhancement in different crops. Farmers often face
difficulties in getting good quality seeds of improved varieties/hybrids prior to the sowing
time.
3. Farmers’ friendly small tools and agricultural implements are either not available to the
farmers or they are not convinced with their working efficiency, resulting in paying labour
charges and increasing cost of cultivation.
4. Agriculture is the only enterprise where prices are determined by others than the producer.
Also the long chain of middlemen for marketing absorbs the farmers’ margin leaving them
with minimal profit for their produce.
5. Yield gaps between research stations/Field Level Demonstrations and farmers field and
lack of knowledge about modern agriculture technologies and environment result in increased
cost of cultivation without enhancing their production and hence profits.
6. Farmers’ lack knowledge of latest technologies and various government schemes, this
deficit of information limits their ability to make profit.

EFFECT OF LAND ACQUISITION POLICY ON FARMERS IN HARYANA

 Land Acquisition “literally means acquiring of land for some public purpose by Government
or Government Agency, as authorized by the law, from the individual landowner(s) after
paying government fixed compensation in lieu of losses incurred by land owner(s) due to
surrendering of his/her land to the concerned government agency.
Land acquisition whether for state-sponsored development or for private business projects
has always been faced opposition. The reason for opposition has become more broad based in
the last four and half decade (1970 onwards) has identified three distinct reasons for
opposition namely environment concerns, social well being concerns and benefit sharing
concerns.
LAND ACQUISITION ACT

Land acquisition act 1894 was framed in 1894 and the Indian government adopted it in 1947
as a tool for land acquisition. This act was created with the expressed purpose of facilitating
the government’s acquisition of privately held land for public purposes.
The Act was revised in 1984 and latest amendments in this bill were made in 2007. The Land
Acquisition (Amendment) Bill - 2007 amended The Land Acquisition Act - 1894.
 The Bill redefines 'public purpose' as land acquired for defense purposes, infrastructure
projects or for any project useful to the general public where 70 per cent of the land has
already been purchased.
 For acquisition resulting in large-scale displacement, a social impact assessment study must
be conducted. Tribal, forest dwellers and those with tenancy rights are also eligible for
compensation.
 Acquisition costs will include payment for loss or damages to land and costs related to
resettlement of displaced residents.
 While determining compensation, the intended use of land and value of such land in the
current market is to be considered.
 The Bill establishes the Land Acquisition Compensation Disputes Settlement Authority at the
State and Central levels to adjudicate disputes resulting from land acquisition proceedings.

LAND ACQUISITION POLICY OF HARYANA

 Apart from the Central Land Acquisition Act, there are a large number of state specific laws.
Haryana is one of the first states to frame Land Acquisition Policy in 2005 and made it better
for farmers by amending it and announced on December 07, 2007.
Some of the policy initiatives are as:
 Minimum floor rate: The lump sum compensation is decided on the basis of floor rates-
minimum rates that are paid to land owners fixed by the government. This policy is dividing
the state into three zones having floor rates as Rs. 20 Lakh per acre, Rs 16 Lakh per acre and
Rs. 8 Lakh per acre.
 Royalty for 33 years: The royalty is for a period of 33 years over and above the usual land
compensation starting with Rs. 15,000 per acre per annum and with an annual hike of Rs. 500
every year. For land acquired for setting up of SEZs/ Technology Cities, Technology Parks,
the annuity is Rs. 30,000 per acre per annum to be paid by private developers with an annual
hike of Rs. 1,000 every year. The annuity has been incorporated into the policy as a farmer
earns Rs. 10,000-15,000 per annum per acre from his/her land if given on contract.
 Everyone gets plot: The R&R Policy also provides for allotment of plots by HSIIDC or
HUDA, depending upon an owner's share in the land acquired and if 75 per cent or more of
the land owned by his/her dwelling unit is acquired. The policy entitles a minimum of 50
square yard plot and a maximum plot size of 350 square yard depending on the size of land or
house acquired.
 Building infrastructure: The R&R Policy puts an obligation on developers, including
HSIIDC/HUDA for creation of social infrastructure in the villages falling within the acquired
land. HSIIDC which had been earmarking about 1 per cent of the total cost of the project for
development works for public benefit in such villages.
 Skill development: This is a part of the R&R Policy wherein developers are required to
undertake programs of skill development for persons whose land has been acquired.
 OTHER ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

 In case 75% of his/her land in revenue estate has been acquired for government infrastructure
projects other than those for HUDA, HSIIDC or HSAMB subject to a minimum of two
acres, his/her one dependent would be considered for a job
 Allotment of Residential plot on account of acquisition of land under the land “Out Scheme”
and acquisition of self-occupied residential house.
 Allotment of a commercial site/industrial plot in case 75% of land in a revenue estate, subject
to a minimum of one acre has been acquired by HUDA, HSIIDC or HSAMB.
 Alternate electric tube well connections in his/her un-acquired land or over the agricultural
land that he may purchase elsewhere in the state within a period of two years of the Award.
 Exemption of stamp duty & registration charges on purchase of alternate agricultural land
within state of Haryana within a period of two years from the Award.
 Scheme for landless persons and artisans: Free technical education to the dependents in
Government run Industrial training institutes and polytechnics. Fund equal to 1% of the
compensation amount for creating skill-sets.
 Investment advisory services, Social & Community infrastructure facilities etc.

The way forward

There is a fear in the minds of farmers with regard to productivity, income etc. through
organic farming. There is need to shift the focus from crop/commodity to multi enterprise
based farming system’s approach in order to increase employment, income and livelihood
security of small holder farmers. Scope for development of peri-urban agriculture and
protected cultivation of good quality vegetables and flowers is another untapped /under-
tapped opportunity for the farmers of Haryana.

Our take from the visit

To have a clear understanding of the situation of a financially rich state like Haryana we had
to undertake on a rural visit to have a face to face interaction with the prominent
stakeholder’s i.e the farmers and their families. Through the course of this text, we have
talked about various schemes and policies which have been put in place for the welfare of
such farmers, both small and medium. The major issue in communicating these schemes are
their sheer volume and this leads a state of confusion in the mind of the farmer as to which
scheme he/she should avail.
A simple solution would be a single point/single scheme communicating strategy which
could be introduced in zilla krishi office. Also a noticeable observation which we noted was
the inclusion of women in the small credit bank in the region. The finance company’s
interaction with their dominant customer’s i.e the females were conducted in a group format
wherein a single officer was catering to multiple query at the doorstep of a fellow farmer.
Also gave us a contradicting view of the prominence of only male dominant credit facility in
the state. The geography of the place was also quite unique as the farmers were residing in a
colony set up much like a semi urban place in which all the residents of that particular colony
had some sort of land holding far away from their place of stay. Hence the concept of
residence cum farming was not practised in that particular region.