Protesting farmers cook roti bread at a blocked highway along Delhi borders during their on-going agitation against the central government's recent agricultural reforms ( File photo)

Farmer impasse likely to be resolved on Monday

New Delhi: Notwithstanding differences, it appears that the farmers and the government will arrive at a meeting ground on contentious issues, resolving the deadlock, sources say.

Vibes from both sides indicate that a breakthrough will emerge on Monday thawing issues, after six deadlocked talks.

The sticking points of MSP being retained and APMC may well see a resolution, IANS reported.

The report also says the government might offer amendments to the MSP and APMC issues in writing.

In addition, at the 'mandis', the private players will not be able to procure below the MSP.

The dispute redressal system between the private players and the farmers will not be done by the SDM anymore.

Aforesaid have been some of the key demands of the farmers. Farmers do not want to be dragged out of their workplaces to run around needlessly to sort out issues.

Moreover, clause 6 which has stirred up differences, - over no market fee or cess or levy, by whatever name called, under any State APMC Act or any other state law, to be levied on any farmer or trader or electronic trading and transaction platform for trade and commerce in scheduled farmers' produce in a trade area - could well see some resolution.

Last week, there were signs of change after the government accepted two demands of the farmers related to environment and electricity laws.

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar last week of assured the farmer union leaders of the government's commitment to resolving farmers' problems and both sides need to take steps forward to arrive at an amicable solution.

Tomar assured the farmer unions that MSP and mandi system will continue as before. The famers' demand for an MSP law and the difference between MSP and market rates for agricultural produce would be referred to a committee when it is constituted.

As for the demand for repeal of the farm laws, the minister said it could be referred to a committee to study the constitutional validity and propriety keeping in mind the welfare of farmers.

Regarding the Air Quality Management Ordinance and the Electricity Amendment Bill, Tomar said that suggestions of the farmer unions have been agreed to in principle.

IANS report with edits

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