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‘Somebody’s Life is at Stake’: SC Orders Punjab Govt To Give Dallewal Medical Aid

December 27, 2024, 4:41 pm

Farmers’ protest has taken a grave turn with their leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal taking a fast-unto-death stance since November 26. The Supreme Court on Friday pulled up the Punjab government and said medical aid has to be given to him.

“The impression it is getting that he was not getting medical aid. Take all measures to ensure that farmers’ leader was given medical aid, said the vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia expressing concern over the life and safety of Dallewal,

“If there is a law and order situation, you have to deal with it with iron hands. Somebody’s life is at stake. You need to take it seriously. Medical aid has to be given and the impression is that you are not following it,” it said.

The apex court also issued a notice to the Punjab government on a contempt petition against its Chief Secretary of Punjab for non-compliance with the December 20 top court order regarding medical aid to Dallewal and to convince him to go to hospital.

It directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to file a compliance report by Saturday when it would again hear the matter.

Dallewal, the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanouri border to press the Centre to accept the farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

During the special hearing today, the bench expressed strong reservations about protesting farmers objecting to and obstructing attempts by the Punjab government to provide medical aid to Dallewal.

The bench said, “We have serious doubts about the farmers who are creating obstacles to provide him aid”.

The top court has been asking the Punjab government to ensure Dallewal gets proper medical aid during fast unto death.

Punjab Farmers Accuse CM Bhagwant Mann Aligning With Centre To Supress Protests

December 8, 2024, 7:28 pm

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has accused the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, of covertly aligning with the central government to suppress farmers’ voices. He questioned the state’s actions in restricting media coverage, despite professing support for farmers and laborers. Pandher demanded explanations from both Chief Minister Mann and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, stating, “We used to say that Bhagwant Mann government is having some sort of alliance with the central government. Today, the way media is being stopped, the CM and Arvind Kejriwal should come forward and explain this.”

These remarks come amid ongoing farmer protests at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border, where demonstrators are advocating for various demands, including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Pandher announced that a group of 101 farmers would march towards Delhi at noon, intensifying the protest.

In response to the planned march, Patiala’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Nanak Singh, issued a memorandum advising media personnel to avoid interfering in farmers’ matters. The memorandum cited a specific incident on December 6, 2024, that violated statutory provisions and urged journalists to maintain a safe distance while performing their duties. SSP Singh clarified, “Media has not been stopped. We have no such intentions. But, it was needed to brief the media. Last time we came to know that three to four media people were injured. To avoid that we briefed the media.”

The farmers’ agitation has been ongoing since February 13, 2024, when their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march was halted at the Shambhu border. The protesters have been steadfast in their demands, which include securing legal assurance for MSP and complete loan forgiveness for all farmers.

Also read: Western Disturbance Brings Rain to Delhi, Punjab, Haryana; Cold Wave to Follow: IMD

The situation remains tense as farmers prepare to escalate their protests, seeking urgent dialogue with the central government to address their longstanding issues.

Congress Demands Legal Guarantee of MSP for Farmers, What Does It Mean?

December 6, 2024, 3:53 pm

Congress MPs staged a protest on the Parliament in the national capital premises on Friday regarding the implementation and raise in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers.

Holding banners and placards, they raised slogans demanding legal guarantee for MSP to the farmers and urged the centre to listen to the farmers’ concerns who have been protesting since last year, on and off.

This protest follows a large gathering of farmers at the Shambhu border, where they demanded the government address their 12-point charter of demands, including the MSP guarantee.

Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda urged the central government to engage in dialogue with farmers. Criticising the central government, Hooda said that during the last farmers’ protest, the government had assured farmers of an MSP guarantee, but now it appears they are reneging on that promise.

“Earlier when farmers’ protest had happened, the government had promised MSP to the farmers. Since this promise was not fulfilled, farmers have been protesting at Shambhu border. Today again, the farmers have decided to march to Delhi which is a sign of the government going back on its promise. We demand that the government should talk to the farmers immediately…” Hooda said.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed solidarity with the protesting farmers and announced the party’s unwavering support for their ongoing march to Parliament.

Taking to his official handle on X, Jairam Ramesh posted, “Farmers are marching to Parliament today. Their protest has received a huge booster dose after getting support from the Vice President and the Honourable Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Farmers and their organizations are continuously agitating.”

Ramesh reiterated the farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP and fixing MSP at 1.5 times the comprehensive cost of cultivation, as recommended by the MS Swaminathan Commission.

He also stressed the need to restructure the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and called for an independent agency to oversee agricultural trade policies.

The renewed call for a ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by farmers comes as farmer unions maintain that several of their demands, including the MSP guarantee, remain unaddressed.

Sukhwinder Kaur, a protestor, emphasized the importance of their demands, saying, “We have 12 demands and our main demand is that of the MSP. The Punjab government said they would do it but even after waiting for one month, they didn’t, and we protested against it. We are ready to talk to them but they have not asked us anything. We are not begging; we are just asking for something for what we do. Where are we at fault?”

As tensions escalate, opposition leaders are rallying around the farmers, urging the government to engage in meaningful dialogue. The situation is being closely monitored as political and public pressure mounts on the government to resolve the crisis effectively.

Also read: Mitchell Starc’s Stunning 6-Wicket Haul Shreds India for 180 on Day 1 of Adelaide Test

What Does It Mean?

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the price at which the government guarantees to buy crops from farmers, ensuring they receive a fair income regardless of market fluctuations. Farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for MSP to protect them from financial instability caused by unpredictable market conditions.

The MS Swaminathan Commission recommended fixing MSP at 1.5 times the cost of cultivation to make farming more viable for small and marginal farmers. However, without a legal framework, the MSP system remains a policy decision rather than a binding obligation, leaving farmers vulnerable.

The protest also highlights broader issues in Indian agriculture, such as the need for better crop insurance schemes (like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) and fairer trade policies. Farmer unions are calling for reforms that prioritize their welfare and address systemic challenges.

The ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo’ march signifies the growing frustration among farmers, who feel that their voices are being ignored despite previous assurances. Political leaders, especially from the opposition, are leveraging this opportunity to align with farmers, potentially increasing pressure on the government to address these demands comprehensively.

The resolution of this issue will require a balanced approach, addressing both farmers’ demands and ensuring sustainable agricultural reforms for the future.

Farmers reject talks with SC expert panel

October 14, 2024, 3:26 am

Leaders of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM-Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have firmly declined participation in talks with the Supreme Court-appointed committee tasked with resolving the ongoing farmers’ agitation and open the NH 44 at Shambhu Border.

Nearly 40 days after formation of the committee, the farmer leaders in a detailed letter addressed to the committee members, outlined their reasons for rejecting the offer of holding talks with the committee to resolve the issue, citing concerns about the committee’s formation, intent, and the Supreme Court’s handling of farmers’ demands.
The farmers have been staging protests at Sambu, Khanauri, and Ratanpura borders since February 13, for their pending demands including a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) and loan waivers. The protestors argued that the committee lacks credibility and dismiss the court’s claims that farmers had sought such a panel.

The letter clarified that the SKM and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha never demanded the formation of a committee to address their concerns. They pointed out that when the central government had previously proposed a similar body, it was outrightly rejected by the protestors. The unions argue that the committee formation appears to be an imposition rather than a genuine response to farmers’ demands. The letter expresses frustration that the court appears to have misinterpreted the government’s proposal as a demand from farmers. “This is an attempt to force a government-proposed solution on the movement,” the unions stated.

The protestors cited past neglect of farmers’ interests to highlight their skepticism toward the expert panel. The letter emphasized the unimplemented recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission (2006), which advocated for the C2 + 50% formula to determine crop prices.

The farmers recalled that they had approached the Supreme Court in 2015, seeking intervention to enforce the report’s recommendations, but the court did not take a decisive stand. “Had the court ensured the government implemented this report then, we would have trusted the current committee,” the letter added.

The SKM leaders also criticized the court for focusing on government allegations that protestors were armed while ignoring state-led violence against farmers. “There is no mention of the police brutality, toxic gas attacks, or the killing of young farmer Subhakaran Singh, allegedly at the hands of Haryana police,” the letter reads.
The unions further questioned the credibility of allowing the Haryana police to investigate the violence, stating, “How can one expect impartiality from those accused of these atrocities?”

The unions pushed back against the court’s suggestion to keep the protests apolitical, asserting that the movement has maintained a non-political stance since its inception. However, the letter questioned the court’s silence on political engagements by retired judges, referring to former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha. Another key reason for rejecting the talks was the lack of transparency regarding the committee’s authority. The protestors noted that the letter from the expert panel did not outline the committee’s powers or whether its recommendations would be enforceable. “Without clarity on its scope, any dialogue would be meaningless,” they argued. The farmers also criticized the court’s suggestion to move their protests to locations designated by state governments. They stated that a request for peaceful protests at Jantar Mantar or Ramlila Maidan in Delhi had already been submitted to the Delhi Police but remains unanswered.

Given the committee’s questionable intent, the court’s historical stance, and ongoing government neglect, the SKM and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have reiterated their unwillingness to engage in dialogue with the expert panel. They declared their intention to continue the agitation until their demands, particularly MSP guarantees and loan waivers, are met.

“We will not talk to a committee that seems to serve the government’s agenda rather than uphold farmers’ rights,” the letter concludes.

Shah Questions Cong Record On Agriculture

September 28, 2024, 1:18 am

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the Congress at election rallies in poll-bound Haryana, accusing the grand old party of running a corrupt regime before the BJP came to power in the state. Shah’s rally, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s charges, focused on the alleged “dealers, dalals (brokers), and damaads (sons-in-law)” who he claimed dominated the state during the Congress rule.

At a rally in Rewari, Shah criticised the Congress’s previous government, calling it a period marked by “cuts, commission, and corruption.” He asserted that under the BJP, such practices have been eradicated. “The rule of dealers, brokers, and sons-in-law is over. The BJP has wiped out corruption, and there’s no question of such figures in our administration,” Shah declared.

Amit Shah also took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, particularly over the issue of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, a critical election topic in the largely agrarian state. He accused the Congress of deceiving farmers with false promises. “Rahul Baba, do you even know the full form of MSP? Do you know the difference between Kharif and Rabi crops? Congress should stop lying to farmers in the name of MSP,” Shah said, challenging Gandhi’s understanding of agriculture.

He further asserted that the BJP government in Haryana procures 24 types of crops at MSP, a record unmatched by any Congress government. “Which Congress government has ever purchased 24 crops at MSP?” he questioned, urging the Opposition to clarify their track record on supporting farmers.

Continuing his onslaught, Shah addressed the internal rift within the Congress, particularly between senior leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja. Speaking at a rally in Ladwa, Kurukshetra, he remarked on the ongoing friction, saying, “Even today, Congress is in disarray. Bhupinder Hooda does not want Dalit leader Kumari Selja to campaign in his area. She wants to campaign, but they won’t invite her because Hooda fears he will lose the election if she does.”

In contrast, Shah highlighted the BJP’s commitment to Dalit representation by pointing to their decision to field a Dalit woman candidate in the elections, showcasing the party’s respect for the community. A day after Rahul Gandhi addressed two rallies in Haryana, Shah also revisited Rahul Gandhi’s controversial remarks on reservation during his visit to the United States, accusing him of attempting to undermine SC/ST and OBC quotas. “Rahul Baba went to America and said in English that they will end the reservation for SC, ST, and OBC communities. Let me be clear, as long as there is even one BJP MP in Parliament, no one can touch the reservation system,” Shah asserted.

The MSP debate has become a central issue in the Haryana elections, with Congress promising a legal guarantee for MSP if it is voted into power. In response, Shah claimed the BJP government has been more proactive in supporting farmers than Congress ever was.
In Ladwa, Shah in a veiled attack also took a dig at former chief minister and INLD leader OP Chautala and former INLD MLA from Ladwa Sher Singh Barshami saying, “Shah said, “The prominent leaders and even the Chief Minister here went to jail for 10 years over corruption in job appointments. But the BJP governed for 10 years without anyone needing bribes or recommendations. Earlier, during Hooda’s government, brokers used to bring appointment letters. But under the BJP government, the brokers and dealers are gone; now, the postman delivers the appointment letter at the door steps of the selected candidates.”

WATCH : Vinesh Phogat Joins 200-Day Farmers’ Protest at Shambhu Border

August 31, 2024, 1:02 pm

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has joined the ongoing protest at the Shambhu border, where farmers from Haryana and Delhi have been demonstrating for 200 days. The farmers are demanding that the Central government honor its promises, particularly concerning a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops.

Speaking at the protest site, Vinesh Phogat expressed concern over the prolonged demonstration. She said, “It has been 200 days since they are sitting here. It is painful to see this. All of them are citizens of this country. Farmers run the country. Nothing is possible without them, not even athletes—if they don’t feed us, we won’t be able to compete. Many times we are helpless and can’t do anything; we represent the country at such big levels but can’t do anything for our family even when we see them sad.”

#WATCH | Wrestler Vinesh Phogat arrives at the farmers' protest site at Shambhu border, as the agitation completes 200 days.

She says, "It has been 200 days since they are sitting here. It is painful to see this. All of them are citizens of this country. Farmers run the… pic.twitter.com/MJo9XEqpko

— ANI (@ANI) August 31, 2024

Phogat urged the government to listen to the protesters and fulfill its promises. “The country won’t progress if people sit on streets like this,” she stated.

During her visit, farmer leaders honored Phogat for her support.

On August 22, the Supreme Court instructed the states of Punjab and Haryana to continue discussions with the farmers to resolve the blockade at the Shambhu border. The court had previously directed local authorities to consider partial reopening of the highway for essential services and daily commuters.

Earlier this year, the Haryana government had installed barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi national highway in response to farmers planning to march to Delhi to press their demands.

SKM Accuses Haryana CM Of betrayal Over MSP Declaration

August 14, 2024, 1:48 am

Even as Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini patting his back about the decision to procure all 24 notified crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has dismissed the announcement as a mere political ploy.

The SKM-an umbrella body of around 40 farmer unions of the country, argued that the announcement of procurement on MSPs, which exclude the C2+50% formula and lack legally guaranteed procurement, are insufficient and merely a ploy to gain farmers’ votes ahead of upcoming elections.

The CM’s announcement, made during a BJP rally, has been labeled by SKM as an “election stunt,” aimed at appeasing the farmer community without addressing their core demands. According to SKM, the current MSP for paddy for the year 2024-25 stands at Rs. 2300 per quintal, based on the A2+FL model which includes the cost of cultivation and family labor. However, this is substantially lower than the C2+50% formula recommended by the National Commission on Farmers, chaired by MS Swaminathan, which totals Rs. 3012 per quintal.

The SKM highlighted that the discrepancy between the current MSP and the C2+50% formula results in significant financial losses for farmers, claiming that Haryana’s paddy farmers, who produced 54.1 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, have already incurred a staggering loss of Rs. 3851.90 crore. The shortfall in MSP across 24 crops is expected to reveal the true anti-farmer stance of the BJP and the Saini administration, according to SKM.
Adding to the discontent, the SKM criticized the lack of legally binding procurement commitments, stating that the absence of a guaranteed procurement system forces farmers to sell their produce to intermediaries and large agribusinesses, resulting in exploitation and financial losses.

The SKM has scheduled a state-level meeting on August 20 to strategize on “massive actions” against the BJP. The agenda includes demands for MSP based on the C2+50% formula with guaranteed procurement, a comprehensive loan waiver, and halting the privatization of the power sector. Furthermore, SKM plans to honor the 736 farmer martyrs from the Delhi border protests by constructing a memorial at Singhu and Tikri Border. The SKM leaders announced that they will launch village-level campaigns to mobilize farmers and the public, aiming to “Expose, Oppose, and Punish” the BJP in the forthcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

U.P. Government Agencies Record Third Consecutive Year of Low Wheat Procurement

June 27, 2024, 12:04 pm

Uttar Pradesh has witnessed another year of low wheat procurement by government agencies, marking the third consecutive year where farmers have predominantly chosen to sell their crops to private buyers offering prices higher than the minimum support price (MSP) set by authorities.

Despite efforts to attract farmers, government agencies managed to procure only 9.31 lakh metric tons (LMT) of wheat in the 2024-25 marketing year, falling significantly short of the 60 LMT target. This figure, however, marks an increase from the 2.19 LMT procured in 2023-24 and 3.16 LMT in 2022-23.

In the record-breaking year of 2021-22, Uttar Pradesh had purchased 56.41 LMT of wheat from over 13 lakh farmers at MSP, highlighting a stark contrast to recent years. This year, only 1,80,083 out of 4,19,767 registered farmers turned up at the government procurement centres across the state, despite the establishment of a record 6,488 centres.

Commissioner of food and civil supplies, Sourabh Babu, acknowledged the persistently low procurement, attributing it to the price disparity between MSP and market rates. He noted extensive efforts to encourage farmers to sell to government agencies, including the expansion of procurement centres for their convenience.

“Most farmers opted to sell their wheat to private agencies offering prices as high as ₹2,400 per quintal, well above the MSP of ₹2,275 per quintal,” Babu explained, emphasizing that while this benefited farmers financially, it posed challenges for government procurement efforts.

Officials cited the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a major driver behind the surge in global wheat prices, which influenced domestic markets. The resulting instability encouraged farmers to seek better returns outside government channels, underscoring the economic pressures influencing their decisions.

Concerns over corruption at procurement centres, delayed payments to farmers, and logistical challenges in transporting produce to government facilities further deterred farmers from engaging with government procurement processes, according to insiders familiar with the situation.

SC Seeks Responses on Petition for MSP on Alternative Crops

April 27, 2024, 4:05 pm

The Supreme Court requested responses from the Central government, as well as the governments of Punjab and Haryana, regarding a petition aiming to establish a minimum support price (MSP) for alternative crops cultivated by farmers.

The plea also seeks periodic increases in MSP and the government’s procurement of these crops. Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan’s bench issued notices to the Centre, Punjab, and Haryana states, along with pollution control boards, agricultural universities, and ICAR, instructing them to submit their replies.

The bench has scheduled the hearing for the second week of July.
Advocate Charanpal Singh Bagri’s petition aims to establish a MSP for “alternative crops” higher than the MSP for paddy.

“Farmers of Punjab, Haryana are helpless to grow crops of wheat and paddy as same have MSP and procured by the government, despite of the fact that crop of paddy has primarily created threefold hurdles, fast depletion of underground drinkable water, pollution due to stubble or paddy straw burning, and creation of financial burden on the State for storing excess paddy during the paddy season,” Bargi said.

He emphasized that farmers should be offered new crop options based on geographical location and soil quality by setting MSPs for each crop. The petition also requested agricultural universities to supply new varieties of seeds for pulses and other crops imported from foreign countries.

“The MSP should be at higher rates and a condition may be imposed that farmers should use a limited prescribed quantity of pesticides so that organic crops may be provided to the citizens,” Bagri suggested.

He further stated that without MSP and government procurement, farmers’ conditions are dire, leaving them feeling helpless and resorting to suicide.

BJP’s preparations in full swing for upcoming Lok Sabha elections to attract farmers through ‘Gram Parikrama Yatra’

February 22, 2024, 1:23 pm

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively preparing to establish a connection with farmers through its “Gram Parikrama Yatra.” Launched on February 12 and extending until March 12, this month-long initiative is aimed at engaging with farmers across 1.25 lakh villages nationwide. The BJP has initiated comprehensive preparations as part of its strategy to gain support from farmers in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Rajkumar Chahar, the National President of BJP’s Kisan Morcha, has underscored the party’s dedication to communicating with farmers through initiatives such as Gaon Parikrama Yatra and Kisan Chaupal. The primary objective is to collect feedback from farmers, comprehend their expectations from Prime Minister Modi, and integrate these insights into the party’s agenda for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, as outlined in the ‘Sankalp Patra.’

The interaction with farmers encompasses diverse activities, including the distribution of leaflets outlining the Modi government’s initiatives for farmers’ welfare. The Gram Parikrama Yatra involves circling villages, while the Kisan Chaupal facilitates direct communication with laborers and farmers. The party also acknowledges progressive farmers and pays tribute to the families of ex-servicemen or martyrs within the villages.

With programs being broadcasted on 900 screens nationwide, the BJP aims to ensure extensive coverage of the village parikrama yatra and Kisan Chaupal, enabling live telecasts of these engagements with laborers and farmers.

The initiation of the Gram Parikrama Yatra in Sukh Teerth, Muzaffarnagar, saw the participation of approximately 20,000 farmers in the inaugural rally. Distinguished figures, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP Kisan Morcha National President Rajkumar Chahar, addressed the event, underscoring the party’s concerted efforts to connect with the farming community.

The BJP’s emphasis on engaging with farmers underscores the significance of agricultural communities in the political landscape. The party aims to fortify its bonds and address the concerns of farmers in the run-up to the elections.

Farmers’ protest: Police uses tear gas at Punjab-Haryana Border

February 21, 2024, 11:39 am

On Wednesday morning, the Haryana police deployed tear gas shells against protesting farmers at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, who have been demonstrating for their Minimum Support Price (MSP) demand. Equipped with gas masks, bulldozers, and heavy machinery, the farmers continue to oppose the government.

The Haryana police issued a warning to owners of earthmover machines and bulldozers participating in the protest, cautioning them of potential criminal liability. In a statement on X, the police emphasized that these machines could be utilized to harm security forces, constituting a non-bailable offense.

In response to the police’s efforts to halt their march with barricades and tear gas shells, the farmers returned with modified JCB machines, earthmovers, bulldozers, and makeshift gas masks. The government has also taken countermeasures, placing reinforced boulders, loaded buses, trucks, and shipping containers to impede the farmers’ entry into the national capital.

To counter the farmers, the police have deployed bulldozers, while farmers’ leader Sarwan Singh Pandher affirmed their commitment to a peaceful ‘Delhi Chalo’ march. He stated, “Our top leaders will move forward, and the entire world will see us moving ahead peacefully. If the government feels that by killing the farmers their problems will be solved, then it can do so. But we will continue to move forward peacefully.” Pandher emphasized that any violence would be the responsibility of the government.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court criticized the protesting farmers on Tuesday, stating that tractor-trolleys cannot be used on highways, citing the Motor Vehicle Act. The court underscored the existence of constitutional duties alongside rights.

The Haryana Police, on Tuesday, urged their Punjab counterparts to seize bulldozers, citing safety concerns. The ongoing protest by farmers centers around their demand for a legal guarantee of MSP for all crops. Despite the Central government’s offer of MSP on specific crops for the next five years on Monday, the protesting farmers rejected the proposal. The estimated presence at the Shambhu border includes around 14,000 farmers, accompanied by 1,200 tractors and 300 cars.

Farmers Decline Government Offer, Plan to Resume March Towards Delhi From Wednesday

February 20, 2024, 10:48 am

The Delhi borders are anticipated to witness renewed tensions starting Wednesday, as farmers in protest have dismissed the government’s proposition of a five-year contract for purchasing maize, cotton, and three types of pulses at the existing minimum support price (MSP).

The announcement from the protesting farmers followed criticism from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella organization of farmer unions not currently involved in the protests, regarding the MSP proposal.

At a press conference at the Shambhu border, between Punjab and Haryana, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that the proposal is unacceptable to them, and the protesting farmers will resume their peaceful march towards Delhi on Wednesday.

Providing reasons for rejecting the proposal, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal explained, “The government made the proposal on Sunday night, and we have studied it. It doesn’t make sense for the MSP to apply to only two or three crops and for the other farmers to be left to fend for themselves.”

He added, “The honorable minister said yesterday that if the government guarantees MSP on pulses, it will put an additional burden of ₹1.5 lakh crore. A study by (former Agricultural Price Commission chairman) Prakash Kammardi has, however, revealed that the total cost will be ₹1.75 lakh crore for all crops.”

Pointing out that the government spends ₹1.75 lakh crore to import palm oil, which he claimed is harmful to health, Mr. Dallewal suggested that the same amount could be used to help farmers grow oilseeds, for which MSP could be declared.

Mr. Dallewal claimed that the government plans to provide support prices only to farmers opting for crop diversification and moving towards crops under the MSP umbrella, excluding farmers already growing these crops.

“We have demanded MSP on 23 crops. The amount that is given is a ‘minimum’ support price, that helps with subsistence, not income. If they are not agreeing to a legal guarantee, it means that the farmers will continue to suffer. We have, thus, decided to reject the proposal,” he said.

Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal had announced after the meeting on Sunday that government agencies would sign a contract with farmers for the next five years for the procurement of pulses, maize, and cotton crops, with no limit on the buying quantity.

The core issue for the protesting farmers remains the demand for a law on MSP, along with other demands, such as a loan waiver, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension for farmers and farm laborers, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for farmers killed in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri.

Concerns arise over potential chaos as nearly 1 lakh farmers, supported by about 200 unions, plan to resume their march on Delhi. Farmer groups in Noida and Greater Noida have also announced plans to march to the capital on Friday, adding to the potential challenges.