At the fourth round of talks with protesting farmer groups, the central government put forth a five-year plan involving the purchase of pulses, maize, and cotton crops by government agencies at minimum support prices (MSP).
A panel comprising Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai presented the proposal to farmers after “out-of-the-box thinking”. Goyal described the talks as "positive," stating that farmers' leaders raised various concerns during the meeting.
Farmer leaders belonging to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha said they will discuss the Centre’s proposal within their forums on February 19-20 and seek the opinion of experts before making a decision. They also temporarily halted the 'Delhi Chalo' march following this breakthrough in talks.
Here are the latest developments in the farmers' protest:
Goyal highlighted the proposal's focus on diversification into pulses, cotton, and maize, with assurances of MSP without quantity limitations. “This approach will save Punjab's farming, improve the groundwater table, and save the land, which is already under stress, from getting barren,” he added.
The Union Minister also mentioned that several policy matters discussed require broader representation and cannot be finalised immediately. He assured that these discussions would continue, taking into account the upcoming elections and the need for comprehensive policy solutions.
In the wake of the government's proposal, farmer leaders have decided to temporarily halt the 'Delhi Chalo' march. The decision allows them two days to thoroughly review the new MSP plan before determining their next course of action. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said, "We will discuss in our forums on February 19-20 and take the opinion of experts regarding it and accordingly take a decision."
Pandher said a discussion on loan waivers and other demands is pending. "We hope that these will be resolved in the next two days," he stated, before adding that the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march is currently on hold, but will resume at 11 am on February 21 if all the issues are not resolved.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who was also present at the talks, advocated for crop diversification while urging for the lifting of the internet suspension in certain areas. Mann also said decisions regarding the government's proposals rest with the farmer unions. “The ball is now in the farmers' court,” he said, adding that "no door is closed" for further dialogue.
Despite the temporary pause, farmer leaders belonging to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha have announced further protests to maintain pressure on the government to meet their demands. The farmers’ union plans to gherao the residences of BJP leaders in Punjab for three days, and make toll barriers free for commuters from February 20 to 22.
A high-level meeting of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha will be held in Delhi on February 22 to strategise on future demands and actions, SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal told news agency PTI.
Meanwhile, the suspension of internet services has been extended in certain areas of Punjab districts, including Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib, until February 24.
