NEW DELHI: In the latest round of talks between the farmers' representatives and the government, Union agriculture minister Narendra Tomar assured the farmers that the Minimum Support Price(MSP) will continue to exist even after the promulgation of the new farm laws.
The next round of talks will be held on Saturday, December 5.
In a meeting lasting more than six hours, the government assured the farmers that it is not going to change the MSP system, a key demand of the agitating farmers.
"I would like to reiterate that the MSP system will continue and we will assure farmers about it," said Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar during the meeting with the farmer leaders.
The minister also said the government is considering the demand of the farmers of levying an equal tax on private mandis and would further contemplate on measures to strengthen APMC.
The minister also appealed to the farmers to end their agitation, assuring them of solutions to all matters that come up for discussion during the talks.
"They (agitating farmers) also expressed their concerns over an Ordinance on stubble burning and the Act on electricity. The govt is open to consider & discuss these issues as well," Tomar further said.
The farmers on their part, kept up with their demand for the repeal of the three farm laws and a special parliament session.
"The issue is about the complete roll back of laws. Not only one but discussions will also be held on several issues. Farmers want that the laws be taken back. Government wants to talk about MSP and amendment to the Acts" said Bharatiya Kisan Union spokesperson Rakesh Tikait.
He also said government has given "indications" about the MSP.
"Government has given indications over MSP. It seems that their stand over MSP will be fine. The talks have made a little progress," said Tikait.
AIKSCC General Secretary Hannan Mollah said all farmer organisations would meet on Friday at 11 am to take a collective call for the next round of talks with the government.
The previous round of talks had taken place on December 1, but had ended in a stalemate even after three hours of discussion as farmers' groups rejected the government's suggestion of a new committee to look into issues raised by farmers protesting against the new laws.
(With inputs from agencies)