The government is prepared to create all the facilities and infrastructure needed to procure foodgrains, even as the Cabinet prepares to hike Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for kharif crops, Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said.
The Union Cabinet is expected to meet on Wednesday, and approve MSPs for 23 crops at 1.5 times the input costs. For MSPs to be implemented on the ground, the government would also need to step up its procurement capacities.
Impact on budget
Asked about the impact of the hike in MSPs on the government budget and on consumer food prices, Mr. Paswan said no one complains when the price of cars is increased, or when other consumer items become expensive.
“Why is there a problem when the government decides to pay farmers more for their produce?” he asked, pointing out that farmers make a vital contribution to the economy. The Minister was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the national executive meeting of his Lok Janshakti Party on Tuesday.