A parliamentary panel on Tuesday recommended the government implement a legally binding minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce, arguing this could significantly reduce farmer suicides and provide financial stability. The Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing, headed by Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi, submitted its comprehensive report to Parliament, highlighting the potential benefits of establishing MSP as law.
"The committee strongly recommends... declare a roadmap for implementing MSP as a legal guarantee at the earliest," the report stated. Currently, the government fixes MSP for 23 commodities based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The panel argued this legally binding MSP would safeguard farmers' livelihoods, promote rural economic growth, and bolster national food security.
Among the committee's key recommendations are the implementation of a strong MSP system to mitigate farmer suicides, compensation for managing crop residue, establishment of a National Commission for Minimum Living Wages for farm labourers, and introducing debt waiver schemes. They suggested renaming the agriculture department to reflect its role for farm labourers as well.
The committee emphasized assured income through MSP, as it would encourage farmers to invest more significantly in agricultural practices, potentially increasing productivity and sustainability. They also proposed the government provide statements after each season, detailing how many farmers sold their produce at MSP and the gap between the MSP and market prices.
Notably, the demand for legal guarantees on MSP was one of the key issues raised by farmers during their extensive protests throughout 2021. These protests played a pivotal role in the government's eventual decision to withdraw three controversial farm laws aimed at deregulating agriculture.
Meanwhile, Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre about the prolonged farmer protests, particularly noting the blockage of farmers at the border. He stated, "The condition of Dallewal is serious. The government should pay attention and find a solution... Stopping (the farmers) at the border is undemocratic... Initially, they were asked not to come with tractor trolleys. They agreed. Now they should be allowed to come. Stopping them is wrong." This statement emphasizes the urgent need for government intervention to ease tensions.
Recently, farmers have ramped up their protests, organizing tractor marches toward the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border. Protests have intensified following violent clashes between the police and farmers, resulting in injuries to 17 individuals. The farmers have set plans for continued protests, including a significant 'Rail Roko' (train blockade) scheduled for December 18.
Haryana Minister Anil Vij urged farmers to seek alternative protest methods without blocking trains, as this inconveniences the general public. He commented, "After permission from the Administration, every organisation can hold a protest. The farmers should not block trains as it will cause inconvenience to many people. They should find another way to protest." His remarks indicate the government’s prioritization of civilian movement over the farmers' sustained agitation.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed planned protests and lamented police actions against protesters, whom he accused of using excessive force. He urged the Punjab government to guarantee adequate medical care for those injured, showcasing the real stakes involved for those protesting MSP and related demands.
The current situation calls for not only governmental action on legalizing MSP but also insights from various stakeholders within the agricultural sector. Farmers are determined, and the political response must reflect the urgency and significance of their plight.
Protests appear far from over, especially as farmers stand united for their rights against governmental inertia. The path toward enshrining MSP legally could mark a turning point, not just for farmers' livelihoods but also for broader agricultural reform.