New Delhi, Dec 5 (UNI) The government on Saturday assured agitating farmers that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of their agricultural produce would continue and there was no threat to it, asserting that the Narendra Modi government is committed to their welfare.
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told reporters after the nearly six hour fifth round of talks with the representatives of agitating farmers that the government did not intend to affect the mandi system and it is not affected by the three farm laws either.
The government is ready to further strengthen the APMC and if there is any misconception, the government is ready to clarify it, he said.
‘’We have said the MSP will continue. There is no threat to it. It is baseless to doubt this. Still, if someone is suspicious then the government is ready to resolve it…We don't intend to affect the mandi in the states, they are not affected by the laws either. Government is ready to do anything in its power to further strengthen APMC. If anyone has any misconception regarding APMCs, the government is ready to clarify it,’’ he said.
He said the government would consider all aspects of their demands and remained committed to their welfare.
‘’I want to assure farmers that Modi government is fully committed to you and will remain so in future. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership several agricultural schemes have been implemented. Budget and MSP have also increased,’’ the Minister said adding that farmers should have faith in the Modi government that whatever will be done, will be in their interest.
Thanking the farmers for maintaining discipline the Minister urged them to give up their protests so that they did not face any inconvenience in cold weather and Covid conditions. He urged the elderly striking farmers and children to return to their homes.
He said they had told farmers’ representatives that the government would consider all aspects of their demands but it would help them arrive at a solution if the farmers gave some suggestions.
The Minister declined comment on the programme of the protesting farmers but urged them to give up the path of agitation and return to discussion. He said several rounds of talks had been held and the government is ready for further discussions for a solution.
UNI RB