New Delhi: The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by farmers has been put on hold as the central government presented a proposal regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) during the fourth round of discussions. Farmer leaders announced that they would review the government’s proposal on MSP, with discussions slated to resume peacefully on February 21.
During the recent meeting held in Chandigarh, the government proposed a five-year plan to purchase pulses, maize, and cotton crops from Punjab farmers at MSP rates. Union Minister Piyush Goyal revealed that government agencies would enter into contracts with farmers for the next five years with no limits on procurement quantities. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasised the importance of assured pricing for farmers considering crop diversification.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, the general secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, stated, “So we will review this proposal with all our colleagues, some agricultural experts and other legal experts and then we will be able to decide what to do about it.” He further elaborated, “As far as our decision to go to Delhi was concerned, it is on standby right now, we have said that today it is the 19th and on the 21st at 11 am, we will move forward peacefully.”
Farmers expressed their intention to consult experts before determining their next steps. Pandher also highlighted that if their demands were not fully addressed, the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march would resume on February 21.
The farmers’ demands encompass not only MSP legislation but also a loan waiver, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension provisions for farmers and labourers, and the withdrawal of police cases arising from the protests.
Security measures have been intensified at the Shambhu Border and Gazipur Border to prevent farmers from entering the national capital. Despite earlier inconclusive talks, both sides are engaged in dialogue to resolve the impasse.
Also Read More –
