There can be no questioning the fact that in the most densely populated large nation on the planet, our farmers, and the agriculture sector at large, remain the most important sector for this country.

To that end, it is a shame that they continue to face barriers and challenges, not only with day to day operations, but also with regards to accessing finance and incentives. It is an issue that demands immediate attention. 

Agriculture sustains nearly half of our total workforce, not to mention its role in addressing food security. As such, while policies towards other more industrial sectors are necessary, agriculture itself cannot be set aside.

When farmers face hurdles in accessing credit, subsidies, and fair prices, while big businesses benefit from generous packages with little accountability, it reflects not just an unjust imbalance, but one that is unsustainable for us.

Agriculture has long carried our nation through crises, yet we continue squeezing farmers due to rising input costs, inadequate infrastructure, and the absence of meaningful state support. Without urgent reform, agriculture risks stagnation, leaving the entire nation vulnerable.

Incentives must therefore also strengthen agriculture, not just industry. Farmers need accessible credit, fair procurement systems, and investment in storage, irrigation, and transport, while policy support must ensure that middlemen and syndicates do not profit off of the hard work farmers continue to do.

We cannot hope to have inclusive progress while neglecting those who feed us. Supporting agriculture is about securing our future and showing rather than saying that we truly value farmers.