Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) on January 4 said it doesn’t have any plans to enter contract or corporate farming and has not purchased any agricultural land in India. RIL further said that the company will today file a writ petition against vandalism in Punjab & Haryana HC, adding that vested interests are taking advantage of farmers’ agitation to launch an incessant, malicious & motivated vilification campaign against the company, which has absolutely no basis in truth.
RIL said that it does not purchase food grains directly from farmers and its suppliers buy from farmers only at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) level. "We shall insist on our suppliers to strictly abide by the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism, and/or any other mechanism for a remunerative price for farm produce, as may be determined and implemented by the government," RIL said.
RIL urged the High Court to issue a suitable order to help protect its employees and property from vandalism. "We at Reliance has immense gratitude and the greatest respect for India’s kisans, who are the ‘ANNA DATA’ of 1.3 billion Indians," the company said. "As customers of their services, we believe in building a strong and equal partnership with Indian farmers on the basis of shared prosperity, inclusive development and an equitable New India. "We urge the public and the media to be aware of the correct facts and not be misguided by false information and narratives peddled by vested interests for their own gain and benefit.
According to reports, over 200 towers of Reliance Jio were being vandalized every day in the states of Punjab and Haryana. Currently,1,500 of the 9,000 towers of Reliance Jio have been damaged. The anger of the farmers had been rising against RIL, which, the farmers believed, to be a beneficiary of the country’s new farm laws. Tens of thousands of farmers have been agitating demanding the repeal of farm laws. The multiple meetings held between the central government officials, central ministers, and the farmer leaders of various mandis remain unresolved.