Farmers in Bengal Dismiss Rs 900 Quintal MSP for Potatoes as Insufficient
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Farmers in Bengal have criticized the newly announced MSP of Rs 900 per quintal for potatoes, calling it insufficient. Protests have erupted, demanding a higher price of Rs 1,300. The farmers argue that the fixed MSP does not cover production costs, and they seek increased fertilizer subsidies.
Key Takeaways
- Farmers reject the Rs 900 MSP for potatoes.
- Protests demand a higher MSP of Rs 1,300 per quintal.
- Farmers claim costs exceed the announced price.
- Road blockades and demonstrations occurred in various districts.
- Concerns raised about middlemen and hoarding.
Kolkata, Feb 28 (NationPress) The recent declaration by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, setting the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for potatoes in West Bengal at Rs 900 per quintal, has been rejected by a prominent farmers' organization in the state, Pradeshik Krishak Sabha.
The Pradeshik Krishak Sabha is the state affiliate of the CPI(M)’s farmers’ wing, All India Kisan Sabha.
The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha also orchestrated demonstrations across various districts in West Bengal on Friday, insisting that the MSP for potatoes should be set at a minimum of Rs 1,300 per quintal.
In addition to blocking roads in several districts, farmers protested by throwing potatoes onto the roads in certain areas.
Numerous locations also saw blockades on National Highways, leading to significant traffic disruptions.
The districts with the most intense protests from the farmers’ body included Bankura, Purulia, and Jalpaiguri.
The protesting farmers claimed that the government’s newly announced MSP of Rs 900 per quintal will not even cover their production costs.
“The suggested minimum support price of potato at Rs 900 per quintal translates to Rs 9 per kilogram. In contrast, at retail, potatoes are priced between Rs 30 to Rs 40 per kilogram depending on the variety throughout most of the year.
“This disparity is due to the dual issues of middlemen in the supply chain and hoarding by certain potato traders. The state government has been hesitant to take decisive action against these issues.
“If it had taken the necessary steps, farmers would receive a fair price for their products without burdening retail consumers,” stated a representative from the Pradeshik Krishak Sabha.
The organization is also contesting the limit of a maximum of 35 quintals of potatoes that the state government will directly procure from farmers.
Alongside the demand for setting the MSP of potatoes at Rs 1,300 per quintal, the protesting farmers are also calling for an increase in fertilizer subsidies.
Earlier this week, while announcing the new MSP for potatoes, the chief minister stated that this decision would support farmers growing this essential vegetable and prevent them from resorting to distress sales of their crops.
CM Banerjee also mentioned that the West Bengal government has established a fund of Rs 321 crore for providing crop insurance to farmers.
