/Amidst the ongoing standoff between the protesting farmers and the Central Government, farmer leaders on Tuesday demanded a one-day special Parliament session to ensure the legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP). The call for a special session comes a day after outright rejection of the Central Government’s proposal regarding crop diversification and procurement following the four round of talks between the two sides.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Tuesday emphasized the urgency of convening the Parliament session to address critical agricultural legislation, particularly the guarantee of MSP for the farmers. At the same time, he urged all the political parties to clarify their stance on supporting MSP legislation.
Expressing a commitment to peaceful protest, Pandher emphasized the need to avoid further confrontation, stating, “We want to move peacefully. Don't want any more tear gas or rubber bullets to be used on us.” However, he underscored the farmers’ readiness to escalate their actions if necessary, including the deployment of machinery such as the Hydra-borer and JCB in their convoy, if the need arises.
The rejection of the Government's proposals, particularly regarding the procurement of pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP for five years, reflected the farmers’ dissatisfaction with the lack of substantive measures to address their concerns. Farmer leaders participating in the ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation categorically dismissed the proposals, citing their failure to serve the interests of farmers.
Pandher's call for a parliamentary session highlights the urgency of addressing farmers’ demands through legislative action. Alongside MSP legislation, farmers are also demanding the waiver of farm loans, underscoring the economic hardships faced by agricultural communities across the country.
The rejection of the government's proposals stemmed from discrepancies between what was discussed during negotiations and what was subsequently presented to the public. Farmer leaders denounced this inconsistency as unjust, further fueling their determination to press for their demands.
As tensions mount, farmer leaders have announced their intention to proceed with the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, scheduled to commence on February 21 at 11 am.
The rejection of the Central Government's proposal signifies a deepening impasse between the two sides. Despite weeks of discussions between farmer representatives and Union Ministers, no satisfactory resolution has been reached after four meetings. Frustrated with the lack of progress, farmer leaders have issued a stern ultimatum — If the government fails to announce a final decision, they will proceed with a ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, scheduled to commence from Shambhu at 11 am on Wednesday.
Pandher’s call for a one-day Parliament session underscored the gravity of the situation. Farmers across the country are facing mounting financial pressures, exacerbated by issues such as rising input costs and fluctuating market prices. The demand for MSP legislation aimed to provide a safety net for farmers, ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their produce. However, without legislative backing, MSP remains vulnerable to market forces and government policies, leaving farmers vulnerable to exploitation and economic uncertainty.
The financial implications of the government's current proposal have also come under scrutiny. Farmer leaders have criticized the estimated cost of over Rs 1.5 lakh crores, raising concerns about the feasibility and sustainability of the plan. Additionally, there is a pressing need for debt relief, as highlighted by a recent government report that pegged agricultural debt at a staggering Rs 18 lakh crore. The call for debt waivers reflected the dire financial predicament faced by many farmers, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing their concerns through legislative action.
In addition to MSP legislation and debt relief, farmer leaders are also advocating for the implementation of the C2 plus 50 per cent formula. This formula, which factors in the cost of production along with a 50 per cent profit margin for farmers, aimed at addressing the systemic inequalities inherent in agricultural pricing structures. Furthermore, farmer leaders have emphasized the potential for crop diversification as a means to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on costly imports.
Meanwhile, the rejection of the Centre’s proposal has garnered support from various farmer organizations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM).
