Government Commits to Procuring All Farm Produce at MSP: Agriculture Minister in Rajya Sabha

The Indian government, through its Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has promised to procure all produce at the MSP from the farmers. Chouhan made this declaration while trying to address the agitations at the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha regarding concerns over MSP by the farming community. Against the backdrop of the ongoing protest, farmer unions have been insisting that legal backing be provided to the MSP.
Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Remain the Center’s Focus Point
The minister underlined how the government had implemented the MSP calculations on the 50% profit over the cost of production, a step that was taken in the year 2019 led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that this is helping farmers as they have been getting remunerative prices for staple crops, such as paddy, wheat, jowar, and soybean.

Chouhan also mentioned interventions in export duties and commodity prices to stabilize markets when needed. In response to criticism, he contrasted the efforts of the current administration with previous governments, alleging that farmers faced neglect in the past, especially in implementing MSP recommendations.

The minister has presented a comprehensive vision to increase farmers’ income through improved productivity, cost reduction, diversification, and a shift towards natural farming practices. He has asserted that these measures will make farmers financially independent, without requiring loan waivers.

Responding to a question about whether the government was contemplating introducing a farm loan waiver framework, the minister reemphasized the administration’s strategy of empowering farmers through higher incomes rather than debt relief.

Conclusion
The announcement of the government is reaffirming the commitment to addressing farmer issues, especially those that promise fair pricing and income growth through policies. It now remains to be seen how these assurances materialize into change on the ground when farmers march toward Delhi demanding legal backing from MSP.