In the wake of PepsiCo withdrawing its cases against Gujarat potato growers, farmers groups are still worried about the dilution of their rights by state and Central governments. There are also concerns that PepsiCo is yet to officially communicate its decision to withdraw the cases to the court. Also Read Chips at stake in the PepsiCo-farmers fight“When the law allows farmers to grow any variety of crop that they want, why should the Gujarat government persuade the farmers otherwise? There is also a lack of clarity on whether PepsiCo’s contract farming programme complies with the Gujarat State law requiring tripartite agreements between the farmer, the company and the government, he added. Also Read Pepsico agrees to withdraw cases against Gujarat farmersMeanwhile, at the Central level, the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers Rights Authority is considering an extension of the period of protection for registered varieties, which farmers fear will dilute their rights.

Source: The Hindu May 04, 2019 16:58 UTC