Farmers' March: What Assurance Shivraj Singh Chouhan Gave About MSP

Farmers from Punjab and Haryana have joined their counterparts from Uttar Pradesh as they plan to organize marches toward Delhi. Protesting farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural products. The situation has escalated with tensions at the borders and injuries reported among protesting farmers.

Assurance on MSP in Parliament

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the issue in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. He affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring MSP for all agricultural products. He stated, "Our government will ensure that all agricultural products are purchased at the Minimum Support Price. This is the guarantee of the Modi government."

Chouhan emphasized that the Modi government had, since 2019, implemented a policy to calculate MSP by adding a 50% profit margin over the production cost for farmers. His statement came during the Question Hour, following demands for clarity on MSP policies amid growing farmer protests.

Farmers Halt March After Injuries at Shambhu Border

The farmers’ march from Punjab encountered resistance at the Shambhu border, where police used tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to proceed toward Delhi. As a result, six farmers were reported injured, prompting the protesters to temporarily halt their march.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher addressed journalists at the Shambhu border, condemning the police's actions and calling for peaceful dialogue. 

"We are citizens of this country, not of any enemy nation. We appeal to the government to treat us with respect and allow us to march peacefully," he said.

Pandher clarified that while the group had temporarily halted their march, they had not abandoned it. "We have withdrawn today's group to prioritize the injured. The next group will move forward after discussions with the government," he added.

Govt's Call for Dialogue

Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Chaudhary reiterated the government's openness to dialogue. "Farmers should come and talk. The doors are always open for them. If they call us, we are also ready to go," Chaudhary said, emphasizing the importance of resolving the matter through negotiations.

Pandher confirmed that farmers have paused their march for the day to allow time for discussions with the Central government. "We have given the government until Saturday to respond. We hope for constructive talks to address our demands," he stated.

Growing Momentum of Protests

The protests have gained momentum as farmers from multiple states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, unite to demand legal assurances on MSP. The marches underscore the ongoing tension between the agricultural community and the government, despite past assurances.

The farmers continue to insist on their right to peacefully protest and demand policies that secure their livelihoods. The coming days will likely determine whether dialogue can prevent further escalation or whether the marches will continue toward the national capital.

PRAKASH KUMAR PANDEY