Farmers to Receive Assured MSP on Five Crops Under Proposed Government Plan

Positive progress was made in the ongoing talks between the Indian government and farmer representatives on Sunday, with the Centre offering a contract-based assured buying system on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for five key crops.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed satisfaction with the meeting, describing it as cordial and positive. He highlighted the introduction of innovative ideas to further increase the interests of farmers over the past decade. Addressing farmers' demands, discussions focused on presenting a roadmap. Notably, consensus emerged on several issues, with innovative solutions aimed at benefiting farmers from Haryana, Punjab, and across the country.

A proposal also surfaced during the meeting, suggesting that government agencies such as NCCF and NAFED enter into contracts to purchase pulses like arhar, tur, urad, and corn from farmers at MSP, with no quantity restrictions. Additionally, the Cotton Corporation of India is proposed to engage in a five-year agreement with farmers for the purchase of cotton crops at MSP. This move is intended to revive cotton cultivation in Punjab.

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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh emphasized that the adoption of cotton and maize by farmers in the state depends on receiving MSP. He highlighted the potential encouragement for crop diversification through assured marketing of these crops. Detailed discussions were conducted on this matter, seeking a guarantee for agreements on the purchase of these crops.

The inconclusive nature of the three preceding meetings made this latest gathering crucial. Bhagwant Mann was present at the meeting, along with Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai, and farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher. The meeting addressed the significance of MSP in the cultivation of cotton and maize, particularly in Punjab.

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Meanwhile, in Haryana, Gurnam Singh, the president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni), revealed that discussions were held with various farmer outfits and 'khap' panchayats. A strategic plan will be devised based on the outcome of the meeting between the Centre and farm leaders, indicating a collaborative effort to address the concerns of farmers.

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