SKM stays out of Govt MSP committee, build up protest pickets

New Delhi: The first meeting of a central government formed committee on Minimum Support Price, crop diversification and promoting organic farming met here on Monday, even as representatives from Samyukta Kisan Morcha did not attend.
The farmers’ groups have refused to send their representatives to the panel, which was formed by the Union Government as a fulfilment of its promise made when farmers called off their yearlong agitation.
A member who attended the meeting said presentations were made on the key issues, and four sub groups were formed.
In the first meeting of the Central Government constituted by the Central Government streamlines the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system of agricultural products, promote crop diversification and natural farming, three important topics were discussed by the Ministry of Agriculture. Detailed presentations were given.
A presentation on the three topics was made by the Agriculture Ministry, and discussions were held on strengthening MSP mechanism.
Promotion of zero budget farming, and crop diversification were also discussed.
The Union Government in July constituted a committee to promote Zero budget-based farming, to change crop pattern keeping in mind the changing needs of the country, and to make MSP more effective and transparent.
The formation of a committee on MSP was among the key demands of farmers who held over a yearlong protest at Delhi borders, and other parts of the country under the banner of SKM.
The SKM, which was asked to nominate three representatives in the 26-member committee, however refused to join the panel.
Committee member Krishna Vir Chaudhary said SKM should have joined the committee.
“The SKM should join the committee formed by the government, and participate in the discussions,” said Chaudhary.
“Only six percent of the farmers are getting the benefit of the present system of MSP, 94 percent farmers are deprived of it. Agricultural holding of 86 percent of the farmers of the country is less than two acres, the condition of such farmers can also be considered for strengthening through Agricultural Producer Organizations (FPOs) or cooperatives,” he added.
The next meeting of the committee headed by former agriculture secretary Sanjay Agrawal will be held in Hyderabad in September. (UNI)