Have you "bean" thinking about us? : A Policy Analysis on How the Seed Production System of Small-Scale Farmers in Ladakh Are Recognised in Indian National Seed Policies.

Abstract: The aim of this study is twofold; To analyse and understand how well small-scale farmers seed production system from i.e Ladakh, India have been recognised in the 1966 seed policy bill and compare it with the newly released 2019 seed policy draft as well as examining potential effects if the draft is enacted. This has been done by using a post-structural policy analysis developed by Carol Bacchi and Susan Goodwin called “What is the problem represented to be”. The method has enabled for an in-depth and critical examination of the two policies in relation to the posed research questions. To be able to put the result into context and answer the questions, an analytical framework made frompost-structuralism, power relations and literature review is explained. This study concludes the problem representation to be the same for both policies, being disbelief in farmers seed production system, and that it is of disadvantage for the small-scale farmers in relation to seeds in Ladakh. This, due to its definitions and expressions of farmers and the liberal/neoliberal reasoning. Instead, the reasoning gives advantage to seed dealers and companies by favouriting Intellectual Property Rightsand a free market over farmers seed production systems and knowledges. Furthermore, this revelation resulted in a low representation for the small-scale farmers in Ladakh as they are viewed as inept of providing seeds of good quality to the market. It has also been noted that Ladakh as a remote area does not receive any special attention regarding their unique high-mountainous climate. Conclusively, the policies tend to subject all areas and farmers in India in a homogenous manner which is problematic in terms of rationality and perspectives in the policies. The lack of recognition for smallscale farmers in Ladakh and their seed production system increases the risk of further environmentaldegradation, loss heirloom seeds connected to culture and traditions and an increase of dependency onlow-land India. The author concludes that it is of relevant that small-scale farmers knowledges, not only from Ladakh, regarding seed production are incorporated in the policies. This, to eradicate on its homogeneous and inequality traits as well to minimize threatening scenarios that might result from a liberal agenda.