34 The farmers’ agitation has thrown up some rather perplexing questions. Unfortunately, until now, few have dared to articulate them. Politicians do not want to speak about such things because most of them have themselves been beneficiaries of corruption. So, when farmer leaders are accused of corruption, they cannot defend themselves. But, surely, they cannot submit to a more dangerous game being played?
The truth is a lot more complex. There is growing discomfort that few are willing to talk about the centre's culpability.
True, Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) are corrupt. But so is the Food Corporation of India (FCI)—several times more. Yet, FCI is allowed to procure more grain than even the storage capacity in India (see chart).