Farmers “Delhi Chalo” march on hold after government proposes 5 Year plan for key crop prices

Digital Desk: At the fourth round of talks with the protesting framer leader, the central government proposes a 5 years plan involving the purchase of key crops like pulses, maize, and cotton. 

The government 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 keeping the present situation in mind and giving many thoughts on the matter. Goyal described the talks as "positive," stating that farmers' leaders raised various concerns during the meeting.

The farmer leaders from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha 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 put the march 'Delhi Chalo' on hold following this breakthrough in fourth-round talks.

The proposal involves the National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) entering into five-year contracts with farmers, ensuring purchases at Minimum Support Price (MSP) without quantity limitations. Goyal emphasized the proposal's focus on diversification into pulses, cotton, and maize, with assurances of MSP without quantity limitations. He highlighted the potential benefits such as saving Punjab's farming sector, improving groundwater levels, and preventing further degradation of stressed land.

Despite the temporary pause, farmer leaders belonging to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) are determined to maintain pressure on the government. They plan to “gherao” the residences of BJP leaders in Punjab for three days and make toll barriers free for commuters from February 20 to 22. 

Looking ahead, a high-level meeting of the SKM is scheduled to be held in Delhi on February 22 to strategize on future demands and actions. However, amidst these developments, the suspension of internet services has been extended in certain areas of Punjab districts, including Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib, until February 24.

As discussions continue and tensions have decreased a bit, both the government and farmer leaders remain committed to finding a resolution to the ongoing agrarian crisis, with the hopes of addressing the concerns of farmers while ensuring the stability of the agricultural sector.