Government Reaffirms Support for Farmers; Upcoming Meeting on May 4

Synopsis

On March 19, the Central government held a meeting with protesting farmers to discuss their demands, emphasizing commitment to their welfare. The next meeting is scheduled for May 4, with discussions aimed at constructive dialogue and resolution of issues, including legal guarantees for minimum support prices.

Key Takeaways

Constructive discussions held between government and farmers.
Next meeting scheduled for May 4.
Legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) reiterated.
Government to consult with various stakeholders nationwide.
Ministers stressed the importance of dialogue over protests.

Chandigarh, March 19 (NationPress) The third round of discussions between the Central government and the protesting farmers, primarily from Punjab, took place on Wednesday. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the government's dedication to the well-being of farmers.

The subsequent meeting is set for May 4.

Chouhan informed the press that the discussions were conducted in a constructive manner and will continue. The farmer leaders reiterated their long-standing demands, including a legal assurance on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The dialogue lasted over three hours, during which various legal, economic, and other facets of the farmers' requests were thoroughly examined, according to a statement.

Chouhan was accompanied by Cabinet members Pralhad Joshi and Piyush Goyal, while Punjab was represented by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian. Prominent farmer leaders, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal, were also present.

Following the discussions, the government has resolved to engage in consultations with farmer organizations nationwide, as well as with state and union territory governments, and other stakeholders such as traders, exporters, and the food processing sector.

It has been agreed to maintain a positive atmosphere for further talks after these consultations.

Union Ministers assured the farmers that the government would continue to listen attentively to the concerns of farmers and other stakeholders, and that it would act in their best interests.

“The interests of farmers are of utmost importance,” the ministers assured. They urged the farming community to pursue dialogue and discussion instead of protest, emphasizing that solutions will arise from constructive conversation.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema stated: “The meeting was held in a positive environment. The Centre will review the data provided by the farmer unions regarding the implementation of MSP for all crops.” He added, “There are no intentions of removing protesting farmers from the Khanauri and Shambhu borders.”