Haryana farmers call off protest, officials agree to MSP for sunflower

The Haryana farmers' protest came to an end today as officials agreed to match the minimum support price (MSP) for their sunflower crop. The government will also release all arrested farmers and withdraw the police cases against them.

The resolution to the month-long impasse was achieved through a meeting between the farmers and local administration officials. During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner assured the farmers that the government would increase relief payments and provide a fair price, urging them to call off their protest.

It remains unclear whether the government will directly purchase the crop at the Rs 6,400 per quintal support price or compensate the farmers for the difference when selling in the open market. However, the farmers have expressed satisfaction with the commitment to adequate compensation, reported NDTV.

Previously, the farmers were selling their crops in the open market at Rs 4,000 per quintal, supplemented with a relief payment of Rs 1,000 per quintal from the government when prices fell below the MSP.

The farmers initiated their protest in response to the state government's decision not to procure sunflower seeds at the MSP.

On June 6, the farmers, led by Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni), staged a blockade on National Highway-44 near Shahabad in the Kurukshetra district, which resulted in police intervention using batons and water cannons to disperse the protesters.

Subsequently, nine leaders of the farmers' group, including the president, were arrested on charges including rioting and unlawful assembly.