Rather Late: The TN State withdrawal of the controversial agricultural council act

Last week I had been away and could not blog this earlier. I think the State government's withdrawal of the TNSAC act is one of the best moments  for the civil society groups representing farmer's interest in the state, particularly so for the small and articulate organic farming groups.


Two people I have had opportunity to interact stand out in their contribution for this, R. Selvam of Erode and Balasubramaniam of Tirumangalam, near Madurai. Selvam was the first to bring this Act to the notice of several people the day after this Act was passed in the Assembly. Since then, he has been consistently trying to use every possible lobby method to get the points across. Erode district farmers association was the first to submit a petition to the District Collector protesting on the issue, this was followed by almost every major farming district organic farmers submitting protest letters to the respective Collectors. Selvam also had organized an important meeting with Dr. Vandana Shiva in Chennai, where she spoke to the press about the issue at length. 


When I first spoke to Bamayan (as Balasubramaniam is known by his pen name), couple of days after the Act was passed (around the 25th of July), he was leaving country for a week. But, he promised to write in depth on his return. He is one of our few writers who can combine knowledge of a scholar, passion of an activist and the language of a political writer in Tamil. So, was not surprised to see his exhaustive note circulated in the early Aug meeting of LIESA network in Trichy. This note in Tamil had become the base material for several articles that appeared in different local language papers.  And finally, when Bamayan sent an invitation for  a political meeting in Chennai presided over by Dr. Ramdoss of pmk and with participation of both communist parties in the state, that was the last straw for the government. 


To give him the credit, the CM seems to have remarked that he had to wait for the farmers to learn of the pitfalls of this Act and the IAS had not briefed him properly on it. I haven't come across this remark of his, but, if that be true, the credit in listening to farmers and not to academics and officers certainly goes to him. But, it is Selvam and Bamayan who are the real heroes on this issue, for their persistence, their own styles of maintaining that the issue in the  news, lobby with the friendly political parties to garner their support and eventually go public in large enough platforms (and ensure that it is in the media through some smart associations) to articulate their objection with clarity...there are several other farming leaders who lent their names, many who did their part, farmers groups in Nagapattinam (under the tutelage of an NGO that does not want its identity known) who placed posters outside their village protesting against this Act, several panchayats where resolutions were passed against the Act on Aug 15th, academics like Dr. Sultan Ismail of New College who stood besides the farmers n solidarity, journalists (pasumai vigadan and pasumai thayagam in particular)...


It is important to realize that here was an Act passed on the floor of the Assembly unanimously that has been since then withdrawn ONLY because of the public opposition to it, I don't know how frequently such things happen in any state, in Tamilnadu, this is a rare occurrence. Important to note that this is not the articulate middle class and their reflection in the English media, but, the farming communities, writing in Tamil, meeting in small villages and towns, no great show through rallies, bringing the change in the government stand. I think this needs to be reflected upon and its meaning understood. 


I blog this despite being rather late just to acknowledge these two guys I know as much to acknowledge the rather sensitive response of a political leadership that had the power to ignore or steam roll these objections.  

Respect to Rahul Gandhi for talking straight on Inter-linking of Rivers Issue

Finally one politician has spoken beyond the rhetoric on the Inter-linking of rivers issue in Tamilnadu. That Rahul Gandhi chose to do in his visit to the State that was already not too popular with the powers in the State is rather unfortunate. But, I am happy someone did talk about the ecological side of the story finally from a political platform. 


Inter-linking of rivers is a Holy Cow in Tamilnadu and under the rule for almost half a century by those who avow 'rationality' this issue has been guided by emotional outbursts, rhetoric, posturing and plain bias.  

The man who delivered the daily dose of wisdom is no more...

Thenkachchi Swaminathan died yesterday.

For 14 years, people across Tamilnadu have been used to their morning dose of daily wisdom presented in the most humorous manner. A man you wouldn't care to give a second look, with a face and a look (once I was with him when he was being introduced to a head of a major rural institution, the gentleman queried Thenkachchi, 'you look tired, do you want to rest?', reply, 'no, I was born with the tired looking face, I am quite o.k.') that will never give the sharpness of the mind, the ability to extract humour out of ordinary situations and instances of life and the eagerness to communicate it in the most ordinary tamil through which he could touch the hearts of millions.

Was always impressed by his humility and sense of wonderment he retained with ordinary life. He travelled by public transport and often said that his inspiration was drawn from the life of the ordinary people. His journey from being the agricultural news reporter in Tirunelveli radio station to that of a news editor in Chennai AIR was, according to him, 'accidental', so also his delivery of daily message. Two generations would have grown up listening to him before they left for their schools and offices in the morning, have seen his message come out loud and stop activity for few minutes as owners and consumers soaked in his message for the day in road side tea shops and saloons.

His daily humour has been since retirement published as a series in Tamil and several of his articles and lectures have also been published. He was a much sought after speaker and could address audience from school students to intellectuals with equal aplomb. In a highly divided and stratified tamil public space, he commended respect among all and was equally popular with the religious and cultural groups as he was with the atheist political groups.

In the crowded, loud and often vulgar tamil public space, this man brought his humble message with much humour and class. Quality and responsibility in public communication just lost a beautiful voice in Tamil.

Interesting documentary film in Chennai this Sunday

Date: Sunday 20th, 10 a.m. (102 minutes)

Venue: South Indian Film Chamber Preview Theatre, 605 Anna Salai

A few words about the film:

The word ‘reforms’ with respect to Government functioning is almost always understood only in its economic context as disinvestment and privatization.  Very rarely it is understood as the reform of the functioning of the individuals within the government and a change in the form and style of governance.  It is taken for granted that such a mission is impossible. This film is about a group of engineers working in the water sector in Tamilnadu who are engaged in such a mission.  The film traces their journey to 2003; how it started in the ‘The Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD)’ and showcases exemplary stories of individual transformation leading to institutional transformation.  The narration is from the point of view of an engineer  from the Agricultural Engineering Department (AED) undergoing training by a couple of TWAD engineers who share their experience with unbelievable passion.

Traditional Medicine effective to cure Swine Flu, Vaidya Girija

Dr. P L T Girija is one of our best ayurvedic vaidyas in Chennai. The report in this morning's tamil news paper of her curing a suspect swine flu case of mother and daughter hardly comes as a surprise to all those who know her history. You can reach her in the Sanjeevani Ayurveda & Yoga Centre, Adayar (weekdays 10 - 1, 3-7), weekly holiday is tuesday and only forenoons on sunday. phone: 24414244

Why Consumers should take note of the TN Agricultural Council Act 2009

Few years back when a business magazine did a survey of urban consumers across the country, Chennai consumer was rated as the 'most informed' consumer in India. I take it that it means that the Chennai consumers have some more knowledge of what they buy and where it comes from than those in other cities.

Increase in Risk for Organic Farmers: Consumers in Chennai have been buying organic food from self-certified organic farmers and organic food promoting agencies for some time now, this works on a wonderful 'i know you and trust you' principle in a way bringing back the relationship between the retailer and consumer that is being lost through the spread of plasticised super markets. Much of this organic food comes from farmers who learn, share and practice organic farming through interaction and working with other farmers like themselves. They may no longer be permitted to do so and cannot share their knowledge, or at least not do so as an 'agricultural service'! This will make organic farming a riskier proposition as much of organic farming is dependent on free flow of information between farmers and farming groups.

No Prescribed Standards for Agricultural Service Providers: A medical council or a Bar council is meant for the practitioners of that vocation, while agricultural council is not meant for agriculture practitioners, rather, for those who provide service to farmers!! If this itself is not ridiculous, the other council's prescribe rules and standards for those practitioners, while this council only prescribes regulatory procedure for those who may feign to be council members and those who are not members, but, may practice such services. So, your kitchen garden consulting service provider (that is included in the list of services) cannot be taken to court if you find his recommendations to be not working or bringing in dangerous pests to your backyard.

New Labels and New Confusions: Every new label from the commercial industry lobby results in throwing up more confusion for the consumer. We are all aware of various 'medical associations' that recommend a particular brand off tooth paste or soap or whatever on television. In several cases these are promoted for the purpose of such advertisements only. However, as a consumer, it adds to our 'informed' choice and confusion. A confused consumer at the cash counter is a gullible choice for producers rather than a questioning consumer. So, more labels and more confusions are, 'acchha hai'! However, it is for the consumer to choose whether such new councils which make exclusive clubs of certain degree holders be permitted with the privileges that the government wants to bestow it with. Do you want the future of your food be determined by a limited number of degree holders from limited number of colleges or would you want it to be spread to include those who also know the traditional knowledge and may practice agriculture and share their knowledge with others though they may not be qualified with certain degrees.

Famous for being Agricultural Teachers, cannot teach any longer: Prof. Sultan Ismail is a renowned soil biologist from Chennai and one of the most liked teachers of vermicology (and holds the copyright on that name), however, he cannot teach the same to farmers any longer, because his degrees are not recognized for him to be registered as a agri council member. So also, will be Dr. Vijayalakshmi of Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems our foremost expert in bio-pesticides sought after by even the government departments. Bernard Declarq, the experienced organic farming teacher from Auroville has taught farming to many organic farmers from across the state, now, he may be fined or imprisoned. Selvam, Gomathinayagam, Anthonisamy, Sundarraman, Panchagavyam fame Dr. Natarajan and many others cannot any longer teach organic farming as they will be disqualified by law to be members of the Agri. Council.

As a consumer, some of the best agricultural knowledge and talent in the state may no longer be available for your benefit. That is what this Act prescribes.

Consumers choice, anyone.

news item: Farmer's Protest against the Bill on Agricultural Practitioners

Here is a news item in The Hindu, Hope you may find interest to read this and respond.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/25/stories/2009072553940300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Erode    

Farmers object to new bill on agriculture
Staff Reporter

It is termed a ‘surrender to multi-national companies’

ERODE: Farmers have raised objections to the State Government’s bill on agriculture, tabled in the Assembly recently.
Raising the issue at the monthly farmers’ grievance meeting, held here at the Collectorate on Friday, R. Selvam said the new bill ‘A bill to regulate Agricultural Practice and to provide for the establishment of Agricultural Council and the maintenance of register of persons having qualification in agriculture or horticulture and for matters connected therewith’ was ‘anti-farmer.’
Referring to the sections of the bill, he said if implemented, it would allow only persons with agriculture qualification to practice as agricultural practitioners and punish others like farmers, who had traditional knowledge. He termed it a ‘surrender to multi-national companies’.
T. Subbu of Tamizhaga Vivasayeegal Sangam wanted the district administration to look into the execution of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Drawing Collector R. Sudalaikannan’s attention, he said fellow farmers’ and his audit of the work at Perode revealed irregularities.
He suggested that the Collector inspect the work carried out.
The farmer then talked about encroachment in canal that supplied water from Surampatty Anaikattu. “For long farmers’ demand for an eviction drive had yielded no result, as the Public Works Department officials said they were waiting for action from the Revenue Department and staff from the latter said they were working out a resettlement scheme for the evicted-to-be and in the process farmers had lost several months.”
Mr. Subbu wanted the district administration to act at the earliest to remove the canal of encroachments. Farmers with lands getting water from the Lower Bhavani Project wanted to know the date of water release.
Referring to the increase in storage in the Bhavani Sagar Dam, they wanted the date to be August 15.
V.M. Velayudham of Kalingarayan farmers’ association sought details on the project proposed to build a wall to protect the canal from effluents. He also wanted action on erring dyeing, bleaching and processing units and tanneries that discharged effluents.
A. Mohan of Mettur West Bank Canal farmers’ association urged the PWD officials to announce the date of water release. “If it is the same date of release of water from the Stanley Reservoir, it will be good,” he suggested.
The other issues the farmers raised include the delay in building a turmeric market complex, banana marketing centre in Kodumudi or Sivagiri, need for farm mechanisation, changes to crop insurance rules, etc.
Towards the end of the meeting officials responded to farmers’ grievances, complaints and suggestions.
S.Kannaiyan,
Organising secretary,
Thamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam,
( Farmers Association of Tamilnadu),
No, 602, Perundurai Road,
Erode,
Tamil Nadu,
South India.
Pin : 638 461.
Mobile: +91 9444989543

Tamil nadu State Agricultural Council Act, 2009

The following Act has been brought to our notice by organic farmer Mr. Selvam of Erode district. This Act makes 'agricultural service' as an exclusive area in which only those registered with the Council. This Act converts the knowledge of agriculture to be an exclusive property of the agri. degree (and a few other degrees that the government deems fit) holders. Organic farmers, traditional farming practitioners, Nammalvar, Selvam, Sundarraman, Gomathinayagam, Anthonyswami, Balekar, Prof. Sultan Ismail, and many others from both organized academia and outside, but, those who don't hold these degrees will stand disqualified now. 

Selvam calls it draconian act, so, it is.

The entire act is available for reading at the government of tamilnadu website here - http://www.tn.gov.in/stationeryprinting/extraordinary/2009/150-Ex-IV-1.pdf

Following are a few excerpts prepared by Selvam:

The Act is named as Tamil nadu State Agricultural Council Act-2009.

 

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS says, "At present there is no law to provide for the regulation of agricultural practice in the State of Tamil nadu. It has, therefore, been considered necessary to regulate the agricultural practice and for the registration of agricultural practitioners in the state and to establish a Council called Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Council."

 

The council will enroll all those who wish to practice consultancy service to the farmers. Only those who posses a degree from an agricultural institution can become the member of the council.

 

The council will have "five senior faculty members one each from representing the faculty of Agriculture,

Forestry, Agri.Engineering and Home Science to be nominated by the Tamil nadu Agricultural University"

Members from Agricultural dept., Horticulture dept., Agri. Engineering Dept., one leading Agricultural Entrepreneur will be nominated by the State Govt.,

 

The council will maintain a registry in which the professional degree holders from Agri. educational institutions should enroll for offering the service. The registry is named as "Tamil nadu State Agricultural Practitioners Register".

 

Up to the chapter 3 are the various blob, blob about the roles and responsibilities and other nonsense of the register,etc.

 

The chapter IV is "PRIVILEGES OF THE REGISTERED AGRICULTURAL PRACTITIONERS"

 

It says “No person other than a person whose name is borne on the register shall practice as Agri consultant within the state or render Agricultural services.

 

  The act explains the "Agricultural Services" means -

 

a) rendering agricultural services in crop husbandry, pre-harvest technology, seed technology, soil testing, water testing, prescriptions for fertilizer, plant growth regulators, weedicides and plant protection materials, post harvest technology, seed production technology and agricultural bio technology:

 

The chapter VI (Penalties) sec. 32(1) says If any person. -  a) not being a person registered in the register, makes or uses the description as agricultural practitioner ....shall be punishable on the first conviction with fine which may extend to rupees five thousand, and on any subsequent conviction with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine not exceeding rupees then thousand or with both.

I have browsed through the Act and found that the Chapter 4 is the most dangerous. It can now negate any of the agri-clinics that are set-up by NGOs and civil society organizations, barefoot collages by practising farmers too can be negated or worse still made to queue up every year to renew 'license', the most dehumanizing and easy way to destroy all enterprise and initiative.

This Act intends to make knowledge of agriculture as an exclusive vocation and regulates the practice of the knowledge of agriculture, it needs to be protested and removed completely. Selvam and his friends have written to the CM yesterday, but, much more needs to be done. 

Prabhakaran: Death of Political Machismo in Tamilnadu ?

I feel ashamed that there has not been a whimper of mourning anywhere in Tamilnadu for the death of Prabhakaran and his close allies in Sri Lanka. While the political leaders are divided between unknown compulsions and unbelievable denial, the lack of any organized form of mourning is sad and unfortunate.

Given the ways of the LTTE was not acceptable, their methods of violence determined their own ultimate fate, but, all said, they were leaders of Tamil people, if not by choice out of desperation. For all the earlier posturing and parading supporting the Sri Lankan cause in Tamilnadu, one would have expected some form of mourning, not necessarily violent, but, even silent ones to emerge.

A prominent leader once narrated this incident about the earlier  Sankaracharya of Kancheepuram. When Bhindaranwale died during Operation Blue Start. The Shankaracharya is supposed to have said, 'he never troubled women or killed cattle, he liked his people and fought for them, maybe his means were wrong'. having said that the Shankaracharya commended that a million lamps be lit in temples across Tamilnadu saying that the departed soul of an intense fighter needs large prayers all around. This I was told was ensured across Tamilnadu!!!

I don't know whether any religious leader will protest currently, but, the silence of the political leaders who have immensely benefited and derived their macho images through posturing in LTTE like clothing ought to do better than this. Such muted response is a shame of the worst kind. This more than the death of Prabhakaran ensures the end of Machismo in Tamil politics. No longer can Vaiko parade in black beret or Thiruma have posters in battle gear with weapons made of wooden sticks. 

M.K. is busy negotiating seats in the Cabinet for the family members. He does not have time for a quick mourning song and poem to the 'anbu thambi' of yesterday.  Sure enough once he has ensured all other businesses for the family are over, he will narrate how he has been crying for Prabhakaran since time immemorial and how the history of Tamils will write with golden pen the crying and its impact on Tamilnadu and how all others have been double speaking unfaithful Tamils who did not acknowledge his crying and so on and on. It is a wonder that he doesn't get tired of his own words.

Here is a silent prayer for the departed soul and hope for the Tamils in Sri Lanka.  Forget we cannot till the last for a hundred years.Wish young lives were not sacrificed in vain, lives of youth of a beautiful country, amazingly talented people of warmth and good humour. Wish peace reign in this land and let there be a peaceful and positive paths for the sadness and anger of today, to ensure that the Tamils of this land get all that is due to them and forgive and live a peaceful life soon enough. Wish quick steps are taken to ensure better life for the thousands in the relief camps and the beautiful land that has been ravaged by the war be rebuilt soon enough.

Are Congressmen competing with themselves to lose the Tamil vote?

'We are dealing with a sovereign country. It is not easy to march armies to a sovereign state', this statement ascribed to PM, Manmohan Singh this evening will lose Congress Tamil votes in TN. Earlier Rahul Gandhi's admission that post-poll, Congress may look towards Jayalalitha would have isolated the congress grassroot worker in the state from their DMK friends (if there are any such) forever.