New Delhi, February 28: The Congress has once again pressed for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), alleging that the BJP-led government is acting with "vengeance" against the country's farmers. The opposition party also insisted that MSP be determined in line with the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations.
Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Abhay Dubey criticized the government's handling of agricultural policies. He pointed out that while a committee was established to ensure transparency and effectiveness in MSP determination, its efforts have not yielded any tangible results. According to Dubey, the committee has held seven meetings and its sub-committee has convened 39 times as of February 22.
Government Priorities Questioned
Dubey also took a swipe at the Agriculture Minister's recent controversy, stating, "On February 22, the country's agriculture minister was more concerned about his flight discomfort, which became a trending issue on social media, whereas farmers have been struggling for years without any resolution."
He accused the government of being "anti-farmer" since its early days, citing the discontinuation of farmer bonuses, attempts to restrict land rights, and the refusal to set MSP at 50% above the cost of production.
Congress Cites Evidence for Legal MSP
Dubey highlighted the findings of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture (2024-25), which presented a report on December 17, 2024. According to the report, a meeting held on November 13, 2024, concluded that without a legal guarantee for MSP, farmers would continue to suffer. The report also reaffirmed that the current MSP does not follow the Swaminathan Commission’s C2+50% formula and recommended its implementation.
Soybean Price Concerns in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
Citing the plight of soybean farmers in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Dubey stated that despite an MSP of ₹4,892 per quintal, farmers were forced to sell their produce at lower prices. He urged the government to intervene and ensure fair compensation.
In a broader critique, he claimed that "Prime Minister Modi has increased the cost of farming by ₹25,000 per hectare," exacerbating financial distress for farmers.
The Congress continues to push for a legal MSP guarantee, arguing that without it, farmers will remain vulnerable to market fluctuations and exploitation.
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