New Delhi [India]: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the welfare of farmers, underscoring the critical role of Minimum Support Price (MSP) in safeguarding their livelihoods. Highlighting efforts to enhance MSP rates and facilitate crop procurement, Chouhan addressed concerns raised during the Rajya Sabha session.
“MSP is provided when crops are sold at rates lower than the MSP. I want to assure you that the welfare of farmers remains our priority. We have worked towards raising MSP and purchasing crops at MSP rates,” said Chouhan.
He further credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for significant strides in agricultural funding and policy. “The government under PM Modi’s leadership is dedicated to farmers’ welfare. Over the last 10 years, there has been an unprecedented rise in the budget for agriculture and an increase in MSP for crops. The Modi government operates with foresight, focusing on enhancing farmers’ incomes,” he stated.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar lauded Chouhan, suggesting his potential as a farmers’ favourite. “Let me say, the Minister (Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who was once known as the ‘Ladla’ (favourite) of the nation, will become the ‘Ladla’ of the farmers,” Dhankhar remarked.
Protestors Stop at Shambhu Border
Meanwhile, ongoing farmer protests escalated as marchers aiming to reach Delhi for the ‘Delhi Chalo’ demonstration were halted at the Shambhu border. Their demands include compensation and a legal guarantee for MSP.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher described the situation: “They (police) will not let us proceed to Delhi. Some farmer leaders have been injured. We will hold a meeting to decide our future strategy.”
Drone footage revealed extensive police barricades and deployment, with officers reportedly using tear gas to disperse the protestors. A police official stated, “The farmers do not have permission to enter Haryana. The Ambala administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).”
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, invited protesting farmers for dialogue. “The doors are open for farmers to discuss their issues. I consider myself their brother. If they wish to come to us, they are welcome, or we will go to them for talks,” he said.
Winter Parliament Session
The first session of the winter Parliament, which began on November 25, has faced repeated disruptions, causing early adjournments. The session is slated to continue until December 20.