The Media hype on Agri-Land & Labour

The Media hype on Agri-Land & Labour

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 24th April 2015

The 'game enthusiasm in politics & journalism in India seems to be building up as everyone is steadily refusing to give up 'image war' even if that means having to do with some amount of badgering in social media including some from yours' truly. Take the case of Farm-land politics which has bulged in scoped to include farmer compensation issue. The debate about the issue is of considerable interest though ordinary person may be still groping in dark about the issues as well as proposed solutions (http://www.managementparadise.com/article/5144/the-problem-seriously-afflicting-the-4th-estate-of-our-democracy-the-media). The article will hence forth focus upon the media cacophony on the larger issue Farm and farmer welfare, which form a significant cross section of our society and as back bone of the rural economy support subsistence of a vast proportion of the population.

The commercial news media, both electronic and print (for a change) are busy siding with their game options i.e. to the side which seems heavier on the weighing scale; and this may include political leaders of all hues and colour. The political leaders and journalist have so far been passionate about the issue of compensation to farmers with lots of hara-kiri about bureaucratic apathy. While the coverage has so far been good with several 'Patrakars' raising questions about procedures, delays and goof ups including several gaping holes and sleeping bureaucratic layer/departments attempted to be shaken from slumber, may be after several years of their existence having all been forgotten in the memory of Netas, Senior Bureaucrats and even larger public. This may have even caught the mandarins in the ruling dispensation in center as well as in states, some discomfiture to pile up defences to shore their stock/public imagery.

However that media has failed to look at simple solutions like 'increasing transparency' of the process to solve problem related to the process but has concentrated on the sundries. It has failed to argue for bringing Patwari's record books & communication mails 'to & fro' under RTI with every villager being able to ask for a copy of such records. This would have allowed villagers to access the amount of compensation being raised for his welfare and compare it with amount actually received. Also, the data for no. of claims being filed in a District/block/commisionery could have been displayed on electronic boards so that the people know how many cases are pending and get reasons. In the absence of any process reforms and still a lot of hype, the affair seems to be an exercise to sell large poster and political families as pointed in an earlier article (Read:http://www.managementparadise.com/article/7653/politics-in-media-yug-amp-in-the-social-media-yug). This is because it is unlikely to hand over any real victory to the ordinary people to make the system work for them, but just give them momentary glory that they are the centerpiece for the moment and that too because of a misery or calamity rather than some achievement. The actual power that be seem to be quite reluctant to 'give up' any procedural controls which are a milch cattle for their political ends even as they shed crocodile tears alongside senior Patrakars over their the concerns. The Patrakars in turn sell the imagery as though lots of 'action' is likely to happen, to keep their dukaan running in business. The larger public may or may not gain a few rupees to tide over their present fate, however will remain under empowered as the question is unlikely to be raised by honest Patrakars as they all want themselves to be referred as. The new politicos seem to be learning the ropes however they seem to have forgotten that the 'game' evolves as has been said in these articles in Management Paradise previously as well.

PS: Comments on Longer term game options for the farm problem not included presently.

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The media hype surrounding Agri-Land & Labour has reached a fever pitch, driven by a combination of technological advancements, economic shifts, and environmental concerns. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the agricultural sector is under increasing pressure to produce more food sustainably. This has led to a surge of interest in innovative farming practices and technologies, from precision agriculture and vertical farming to the use of drones and AI for crop management. Media outlets have been quick to highlight these developments, often framing them as revolutionary solutions that could transform the way we farm and address food security issues. However, the narrative is not without its critics, who argue that the hype can sometimes overshadow the practical challenges and socio-economic implications of these changes, particularly for smallholder farmers and agricultural workers.

The labor aspect of the agricultural industry has also been a focal point of media attention, with discussions around the future of farm work becoming increasingly complex. Automation and robotics are being touted as the next big wave in agricultural labor, promising to reduce dependency on human labor and increase efficiency. Yet, these technological advancements raise significant questions about job displacement, skill requirements, and the potential for a widening gap between large, tech-equipped farms and smaller, more traditional operations. Media coverage often oscillates between optimistic projections of a technologically advanced future and more somber analyses of the social and economic disruptions that could ensue.

Moreover, the media's focus on Agri-Land & Labour has brought to light the ongoing debates about land ownership and usage. In many regions, the consolidation of agricultural land by large corporations is seen as a threat to local communities and biodiversity. The media has played a crucial role in amplifying these concerns, highlighting stories of small farmers being forced off their land and the ecological impact of intensive farming practices. This narrative is further complicated by the global trend towards urbanization, which is leading to increased pressure on agricultural land to be converted for residential and commercial use, exacerbating food production challenges.

In summary, the media hype on Agri-Land & Labour reflects a dynamic and evolving sector that is at the intersection of technology, economics, and environmental sustainability. While the attention on these issues can drive innovation and public awareness, it is essential to balance the narrative to ensure that the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders, including small farmers and agricultural workers, are considered in the ongoing discourse.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

The Media hype on Agri-Land & Labour

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 24th April 2015

The 'game enthusiasm in politics & journalism in India seems to be building up as everyone is steadily refusing to give up 'image war' even if that means having to do with some amount of badgering in social media including some from yours' truly. Take the case of Farm-land politics which has bulged in scoped to include farmer compensation issue. The debate about the issue is of considerable interest though ordinary person may be still groping in dark about the issues as well as proposed solutions (http://www.managementparadise.com/a...ing-the-4th-estate-of-our-democracy-the-media). The article will hence forth focus upon the media cacophony on the larger issue Farm and farmer welfare, which form a significant cross section of our society and as back bone of the rural economy support subsistence of a vast proportion of the population.

The commercial news media, both electronic and print (for a change) are busy siding with their game options i.e. to the side which seems heavier on the weighing scale; and this may include political leaders of all hues and colour. The political leaders and journalist have so far been passionate about the issue of compensation to farmers with lots of hara-kiri about bureaucratic apathy. While the coverage has so far been good with several 'Patrakars' raising questions about procedures, delays and goof ups including several gaping holes and sleeping bureaucratic layer/departments attempted to be shaken from slumber, may be after several years of their existence having all been forgotten in the memory of Netas, Senior Bureaucrats and even larger public. This may have even caught the mandarins in the ruling dispensation in center as well as in states, some discomfiture to pile up defences to shore their stock/public imagery.

However that media has failed to look at simple solutions like 'increasing transparency' of the process to solve problem related to the process but has concentrated on the sundries. It has failed to argue for bringing Patwari's record books & communication mails 'to & fro' under RTI with every villager being able to ask for a copy of such records. This would have allowed villagers to access the amount of compensation being raised for his welfare and compare it with amount actually received. Also, the data for no. of claims being filed in a District/block/commisionery could have been displayed on electronic boards so that the people know how many cases are pending and get reasons. In the absence of any process reforms and still a lot of hype, the affair seems to be an exercise to sell large poster and political families as pointed in an earlier article (Read:http://www.managementparadise.com/article/7653/politics-in-media-yug-amp-in-the-social-media-yug). This is because it is unlikely to hand over any real victory to the ordinary people to make the system work for them, but just give them momentary glory that they are the centerpiece for the moment and that too because of a misery or calamity rather than some achievement. The actual power that be seem to be quite reluctant to 'give up' any procedural controls which are a milch cattle for their political ends even as they shed crocodile tears alongside senior Patrakars over their the concerns. The Patrakars in turn sell the imagery as though lots of 'action' is likely to happen, to keep their dukaan running in business. The larger public may or may not gain a few rupees to tide over their present fate, however will remain under empowered as the question is unlikely to be raised by honest Patrakars as they all want themselves to be referred as. The new politicos seem to be learning the ropes however they seem to have forgotten that the 'game' evolves as has been said in these articles in Management Paradise previously as well.

PS: Comments on Longer term game options for the farm problem not included presently.

This political article offers a truly insightful and illuminating examination of its subject. The writer's writing style is both sophisticated and direct, demonstrating a deep understanding of political dynamics while ensuring accessibility for a broad audience. Their ability to distill intricate political concepts into understandable prose is a significant strength, showcasing a rare blend of academic rigor and communicative flair. The structure is thoughtfully organized, dissecting the political issue into digestible components and presenting them in a logical sequence that enhances the reader's comprehension of cause and effect. This systematic approach allows for a nuanced exploration of the topic. Furthermore, the outstanding clarity of the analysis is a hallmark of this piece. The arguments are presented with such precision, and the implications so plainly laid out, that the article becomes an indispensable resource for understanding the complexities of the political arena.