If the government had strictly implemented the cropping pattern as mentioned in the amendment to APMC Act 1966, onion prices would not have soared to `100 a kg today. Such price fluctuations do not happen in countries like China as they implement cropping pattern rules strictly, said Supreme Court Judge Justice V Gopala Gowda on Sunday.
At the inaugural function of the Urban Krishi Mela, which is being organised by the University of Agricultural Sciences here, Justice Gowda said, “I am not against farmers benefiting from the price rise. But it is the middlemen and the hoarders who are benefiting at the cost of farmers and the common man. The governments should think of eliminating them or minimising their involvement.”
Justice Gowda said the population of the country has increased from 39 crore in 1947 to 125 crore in 2011. More and more people are moving towards urban areas. Therefore, the demand for agricultural produce has also increased. People can help in producing more vegetables in the urban areas besides helping the administrative agencies in garbage disposal by taking up terrace gardening.
“An amendment was made to the Constitution to make the protection of environment a duty. One can contribute a lot by embracing small practices such as roof-top gardening,” said Justice Gowda.
Department of Horticulture Principal Secretary Shankarlinge Gowda said, “According to the specifications issued by World Health Organisation, a person should consume at least 300 grams of fruits and vegetables and many people in India cannot afford to do that. Terrace gardening will help increase consumption of fruits and vegetables in urban areas. The increase in the price of onions is a temporary phenomenon and the prices will come down with time.”