PM discusses price rise, farmers' problems with Ministers

New Delhi, Aug 2 (UNI) Prior to a debate on the unchecked price rise of various commodities, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today held a high-level meeting with his cabinet colleagues to discuss problems relating to farmers.

The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Agriculture Minister Sharad Yadav and Finance Minister P Chidamabaram.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said the discussions were mainly on three issues -- the farmers' problems, minimum support prices of various crops and inflation.

The Government has agreed to have a six-hour long discussion on the farmers problems and other related matters next week, Mr Dasmunshi said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee has already been conveyed the government's decision and he might announce the date of the discussion tomorrow, he added.

UNI KAS vD RAI1830