BJP MP Varun Gandhi introduces first private bill on MSP, demands separate department for MSP implementation

BAREILLY: BJP MP Varun Gandhi who has been vocal about farmers issues on social media has taken a step further by introducing a private bill for Minimum Support Price of crops in Parliament.
The bill is named “The farmers right to guaranteed minimum support price realization of agri-produce Bill, 2021”.
Under the new bill, he has suggested the creation of a separate department for implementation of MSP and implementation of Swaminathan committee report. This bill would extend to the whole of India and would guarantee a 50 per cent return on the comprehensive cost of production for 22 agricultural commodities other than the bonus announced. It will be applicable for the respective agricultural commodity for that season.
Mentioning details about the bill, Varun said, “As recommended by the Swaminathan Committee-2006, the MSP should be set at a profit margin of 50 percent over the comprehensive cost of production which includes actual paid expenses on inputs, value of unpaid family labour, and foregone rentals on farmland and fixed agricultural assets.”
Varun further said, “A separate Department under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare shall be created for implementation of the said law. The Department should be headed by a separate decision making body consisting of farmer representatives, public officials, and experts in agricultural policy.
In cases where MSP price is not realized, the government should pay the difference in value between sale price and MSP within a week from matter being reported. The bill would encourage crop diversification and recommends the most suited crop to be cultivated for each sub-district, thereby reducing environmental cost for agriculture (particularly with respect to groundwater) and promoting cropping patterns suitable for long-term ecological sustainability.
"Price announcements will be made two months before the start of the harvest season to help farmers plan their sowing in advance," he added.
The Bill calls for establishing well-equipped procurement centers (one for every 5 villages) and creation of supply chain infrastructure (warehouses, cold storages etc.), helping farmers to seamlessly store and sell their produce during the post-harvesting season.
Varun Gandhi has been donating all his salaries earned as an MP since 2009 to the families of the farmers who committed suicide.
He had openly come out in support of farmers’ Mahapanchayat by calling them own flesh and blood and recommended to start re-engaging with them in a respectful manner, and to reach a common ground with them.