Farmers reject centre's MSP proposal, march to resume on February 21
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New Delhi: Protesting farmers have declined the central government's latest proposal on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, citing that it does not align with their interests.
In response, the farmers announced their intention to resume the 'Delhi Chalo' march on the morning of February 21.
During the fourth round of talks between the central government and farmers on Sunday, the Centre presented a five-year plan outlining the procurement of pulses, maize, and cotton crops by government agencies at minimum support prices (MSP). However, farmer leaders expressed dissatisfaction, emphasising the need for MSP on all 23 crops rather than just specific ones.
Following the talks, leaders of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) declared a temporary halt to the march as they assessed the government's proposal.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a leader of the farmers' coalition, criticised the government's plan, suggesting that allocating the Rs 1.75 lakh crore spent on importing palm oil to support oilseeds cultivated by farmers would be more beneficial. He highlighted that the proposal primarily favours farmers shifting from rice grains to pulses between crop cycles.
While no immediate meetings with the government are scheduled, Dallewal conveyed the farmers' readiness for discussions. He urged the government to address the farmers' demands or permit peaceful protests in Delhi. The leaders also discouraged any involvement in violent activities.
Dallewal highlighted that 400 farmers suffered injuries in the police action at the Punjab-Haryana border, disputing the Haryana DGP's denial of pellet gun usage. He called on the Supreme Court to take suo moto action regarding the injuries sustained by the farmers.
The farmers criticised the Punjab government for imposing an internet ban until February 20 at midnight, seeking clarification on whether it was done under central government orders. They demanded an explanation for the issuance of written orders to broadband service providers for the ban.
