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2mo ago

Farmers and Central Government Hold Cordial Talks on MSP, Next Meeting Scheduled for February 22

Discussions in Chandigarh centered on farmers' demands for a legal guarantee on minimum support price and other issues, with both sides agreeing to continue dialogue.

Four rounds of meetings had taken place between the Central ministers and protesting farmers on February 8, 12, 15 and 18 last year, but talks had remained inconclusive. (HT Photo)
Veteran farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who was on an indefinite hunger strike since November 26, agreed to accept medical aid after the Centre invited farmers for talks. (HT File)
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A meeting between a central team led by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and farmers' representatives was held on Friday.

Overview

  • A meeting between Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and farmer representatives took place in Chandigarh to address long-standing demands, including a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
  • Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 2024, attended the meeting despite health concerns, emphasizing the urgency of their demands.
  • The central delegation highlighted initiatives by the Modi government, including increased agricultural budget and support for oilseeds and pulses, but farmers argued these measures fell short of their needs.
  • Farmer groups stressed additional demands such as debt waivers, pensions for farmers and laborers, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
  • Both parties described the meeting as positive, with another round of talks involving Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan planned for February 22, potentially in Delhi or Chandigarh.