Directionless and disappointing; no vision for agricultural: Farmers

CHANDIGARH: Farmers in Punjab on Tuesday claimed that the Union Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman “ignored” the farming sector and also remained silent on giving legal guarantee to minimum support price (MSP).

Sitharaman on Tuesday announced a Rs 1. 52 lakh crore allocation for the agriculture and allied sectors in 2024-25, outlining a comprehensive plan to boost research, promote sustainable farming, enhance oilseed and pulse production and integrate technology in the agricultural landscape.

In her Budget speech, Sitharaman emphasized the need for a thorough review of the agriculture research setup to enhance productivity and develop climate-resilient crop varieties.

However, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, while reacting to the Budget, said that the farming sector has been “ignored” in the Budget.

“There is neither anything about giving a legal guarantee to the MSP nor any farm loan waiver in the Budget,” said Pandher.