Amid ongoing negotiations with farmer unions, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has confirmed that discussions between the government and farmer representatives will continue, with the next round of talks scheduled for May 4. The discussions aim to address farmers’ demands, including minimum support price (MSP) guarantees, loan waivers, and agricultural reforms.
Key Issues Discussed
During the latest meeting, farmer leaders raised concerns regarding:
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Legal Guarantee for MSP: Farmers are demanding a legally binding MSP for all crops to ensure fair prices.
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Crop Insurance and Loan Waivers: Discussions included expanding coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and relief for indebted farmers.
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Fertilizer and Input Costs: Farmers urged the government to control rising fertilizer prices and ensure timely subsidies.
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Land Acquisition Laws: Concerns were raised about land acquisition policies that affect farming communities.
Government's Response
Shivraj Chouhan assured the farmers that their concerns are being taken seriously and that the government is committed to finding a balanced and sustainable solution. He reiterated that dialogue remains the key to resolving issues and urged farmer unions to continue engaging constructively.
What’s Next?
With the next round of talks set for May 4, both sides are expected to deliberate further on policy measures and explore practical solutions to safeguard farmers' interests. The government remains hopeful for a mutually agreeable resolution while farmers continue to press for concrete action.
