Farmers Dismiss Centre's New MSP Proposal, Plan To Resume Delhi March On Feb 21

The Centre's proposal to purchase five crops at minimum support price (MSP) over the next five years was rejected by farmer leaders on Monday evening.

It was announced that the 'Dilli Chalo' march would be resumed on February 21, with the journey commencing from the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border.

Photo Credit: PTI

Farmers Dismiss Centre's Proposal

The decision was conveyed to the media by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal after discussions held within both participating agitation organizations, namely the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political).

According to Dallewal, the government's proposal was deemed unfavourable upon analysis, with a perceived lack of benefits to the farmers. The proposal was presented during a meeting on Sunday, marking the fourth round of talks between the two sides.

The meeting, held in Chandigarh, included representatives from the government, including Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai. Despite the discussions, the farmer leaders sought time to deliberate on the Centre's proposal.

The rejection sets the stage for a potential confrontation between the farmers and security forces. The 'Dilli Chalo' march, which commenced on February 13, was initially blocked on the same day at the Shambhu border, where the protestors have been stationed since the beginning of the agitation.

Among the various demands put forth by the farmers, the primary one pertains to MSP. While the farmers advocate for immediate legal assurance of MSP on all 23 crops, the Centre leans towards the establishment of a committee to address the matter.