Rajasthan vows MSP on 22 crops, Punjab 2

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 3

Unlike Punjab, which has decided to pay minimum support price (MSP) only on wheat and paddy, the farm Bills passed by the Congress government in Rajasthan have assured the payment of MSP on all 22 crops listed by the Centre.

Besides, Rajasthan has also promised to pay fair and remunerative price for sugarcane and a fixed price for toria and de-husked coconut.

Not convinced by the move of both governments, agriculture experts and farm leaders say the promise holds relevance only if the Centre approves cash credit limit (CCL) for procurement.

Jagmohan Singh Patiala, general secretary of the Bharti Kisan Union (Dakaunda), said: “The passing of Bills is the beginning of a very long battle given the Centre’s stance on the matter.”

Both states, in their amendment Bills, have allowed the imposition of mandi fees on traders outside the mandi area. This was prohibited under the central Act.

Dr Darshan Pal, president, Krantikari Kisan Union, said: “The BJP is trying to usurp the farm trade by giving a free hand to private players.”

Partap Singh Bajwa, Rajya Sabha MP, said: “The Punjab Government should collaborate with voices opposed to the Centre’s laws. It also needs to prepare an alternative blueprint to revamp the farm sector.”