Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has brought relief to farmers with a significant announcement. During the recent Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, he reiterated the government’s commitment to the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He assured that the central government would procure all agricultural produce at MSP and continue the policy of offering 50% more than the cost of production. This statement comes at a time when farmers are preparing for protests to press their demands.
During his address in Parliament, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan declared,
Our government assures the procurement of every farmer's produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
He also targeted the opposition, accusing the Congress of ignoring the recommendations of the MS Swaminathan Commission, which advocated for 50% profit above production costs.
Chouhan clarified that since 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has implemented a policy to provide farmers with 50% more than their production cost. Crops like paddy, wheat, soybean, and sorghum are being procured under this policy. He added that the government has also supported farmers through export duty relief and intervention in commodity pricing.
On the issue of loan waivers, the Agriculture Minister emphasized that the Modi government focuses on long-term solutions instead of temporary fixes. The priorities include increasing production, reducing costs, and ensuring fair prices for farmers.
Key Initiatives:
MSP Hike for Rabi Crops: The government has announced an increase in MSP for six major Rabi season crops. Here are the revised prices:
| Crop | Previous MSP (₹/Quintal) | Increase (₹) | New MSP (₹/Quintal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat | 2275 | 150 | 2425 |
| Barley | 1850 | 130 | 1980 |
| Gram | 5440 | 210 | 5650 |
| Lentils | 6425 | 275 | 6700 |
| Mustard | 5650 | 300 | 5950 |
| Safflower | 5800 | 140 | 5940 |
Process of Determining MSP: The MSP for crops is determined based on production costs, which include labor, seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, machinery, and family labor. The goal is to ensure fair returns for farmers, contributing to their economic empowerment.
Government's Vision and Hope for Farmers: The Modi government's initiatives aim to improve farmers' economic conditions and ensure stability in the agriculture sector. Measures such as MSP hikes and the promotion of natural farming will not only increase farmers' income but also foster self-reliance in agriculture.
With this assurance, farmers can now expect fair prices for their produce, marking a significant step towards strengthening their economic standing.
