In the latest development, a group of Union ministers engaged in their fourth round of discussions with farmer leaders in a bid to address their grievances, including the demand for a legal assurance of Minimum Support Price (MSP). The meeting took place at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in Sector 26, with key figures such as Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in attendance.
Following the meeting, Minister Goyal revealed a proposal suggesting government agencies purchase pulses, maize, and cotton crops at MSP for five years through agreements with farmers. He emphasized the involvement of cooperative societies like the NCCF and NAFED in contracting with farmers growing specific crops, ensuring no quantity limitations, and developing of an online portal for streamlined transactions. Goyal highlighted the potential positive impact on Punjab’s agriculture, groundwater levels, and land sustainability.
In response to the government’s proposal, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher conveyed that their forums would deliberate on the matter on February 19-20, seeking expert opinions before reaching a decision. Additionally, discussions on pending issues, including loan waivers, are anticipated to be addressed within the next two days. Pandher asserted that the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march is currently paused but may resume on February 21 if outstanding matters remain unresolved.
Despite previous inconclusive talks on February 8, 12, and 15, the dialogue between Union ministers and farmer leaders persists. Protesting farmers from Punjab have maintained their presence at the Punjab-Haryana border since February 13, advocating for various demands, such as the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension for farmers, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
In light of the ongoing impasse, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) announced plans to gherao the residences of BJP leaders in Punjab for three days, starting from Tuesday, to intensify pressure on the Centre. Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal specified protests in front of Punjab BJP leaders’ residences, as well as demonstrations at toll barriers in the state from February 20 to 22.
Expressing a united front, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni, along with ‘khaps,’ outlined strategies to support protesting farmers. The leaders emphasized the need for the central government to promptly guarantee MSP legally and expressed surprise at the restriction on farmers traveling to Delhi on tractors.
As the situation unfolds, internet services remain suspended in specific Punjab districts, including Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib, until February 24, as ordered by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) persisted in its toll plaza protests in Punjab for a second day, causing authorities to refrain from toll tax collection.
In response to the ongoing unrest, the Haryana government extended the ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts until February 19. The developments continue to underscore the challenges and complexities surrounding the farmers’ protests in the region.
Parvasi Weekly Inc.