Demonetisation: 'Agriculture sector will be transformed with better credit facility for farmers'

As cash is the primary mode of transaction in agriculture sector, demonetisation is bound to cause temporary stress in the system. But as they say ‘No pain, no gain’, for I believe this historic move has the potential of bringing about transformational changes in the sector like better access to credit for farmers, elimination of middlemen, direct transfer of subsidies to farmers and ultimately linking the Indian farmer to the global agricultural market. [caption id=“attachment_2648056” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. Reuters[/caption] However, in the short term, the sector has to brave several storms before it realises the true fruits of demonetization. In the transitional phase, farm produces with limited shelf-life like fruits and vegetables, which significantly contribute to overall farm output, will be hit due to cash crunch. Similarly, payment of wages to farm laborers and rentals for farm implements will too become difficult considering the limited access of service providers to the banking system. The steep decline in transactions at various states APMC’s (up to 70 percent as per reports) in the aftermath of the decision is a testimony to this fact. But despite these initial hiccups, demonetization can potentially address the perennial problem of credit in farm sector. With banking system glowing with liquidity, there can be increase in investments in farm sector, which is the only way to get out of the vicious circle of subsistence farming. Despite being declared as a ‘priority sector’ credit availability to typical farmers for investment in their own lands are far from adequate. This has forced farmers to rely on non-institutional credit, which further aggravates the problem. A market-driven, intense farming practice is must for bringing about positive change on ground. India’s agricultural sector provides more jobs and sustainable incomes than all other sectors put together. Despite high-population density, per capita arable land availability in India is among the best in the world; it the only country in the world capable of growing almost any grain, fruit or vegetable in abundance. Unknown to many, India’s agricultural products fetches higher earnings than trade in services or manufacturing. With proactive support, India can further enhance its farm exports and contribute to its prosperity. Development of agriculture will also address other glaring social problems like town planning, migration and access to basic health care and nutrition. Better access to credit for farmers will help them gain sustainable incomes and invest in their assets for better returns. Farming communities across India have been very supportive to the cause. Despite inconveniences, farmers are willing to play their part for country’s development. An essential ingredient for the success of demonetization is internet penetration in rural India. Mobile wallets can play a cardinal role in dealing with cash crunch. They can be helpful in reimbursing labourers and providing farm implement rentals. Yet mobile wallets, net-banking are to a large extent dependent on internet connectivity; despite wide mobile coverage, internet connectivity and its stability remain dicey in rural areas. Seeds, fertiliser and labour are the largest contributor to farmer’s expense in the sowing season. Direct subsidy transfer for farmers for fertiliser purchase will be very beneficial in the current scenario. Banking provisions like over-drafting, disbursement of working capital/micro credit are the need of the hour. Demonetization will empower India’s farming communities and bring them at par with city dwellers. Access to institutional credit has the potential to change the very nature of Indian agriculture, post successful implementation of demonetization. The advent of GST regime and access to better credit can revitalize agro-processing in an unprecedented way. The biggest challenge of this entire exercise lies in reaching out to marginalised farmers with negligible/nil landholding and to those outside the banking and social security net. Decline in arrivals at _mandi_s signals temporary distress in small farmers. From hiring trolleys, to unloading of crops, scarcity of cash has emerged as bottleneck in this sowing season. Our company is already taking steps to reach out to such marginalized farmers and address their problems. The government and industry must come together to help farmers and make this initiative a thumping success for the farm sector. (The writer is Founder and Managing Director, Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd