THE year 2024 had been marked by the worst exploitation of farmers by market forces, and if a similar trend is seen in 2025,then it would not only prove disastrous for the agriculture sector but would cause irreparable loss to the agro-economy.

The nonexistence of a regulatory framework in the country means market forces decide the price of commodities. Agriculture is a sector that already remains at the mercy of nature, and growers hardly get adequate prices for major crops as farmers` exploitation is at the hands of buyers.

Farmers had to sell their produce 30-40 per cent below support or indicative prices of wheat and cotton. The government remained indecisive about whether or not to fix commodities prices in 2024; if the same approach was applied in 2025, it would be disastrous for the agriculture sector. Still, I hope better sense prevails at decision-making forums of the country, and farmer-friendly policies and decisions will be witnessed in 2025. • MHK