The Haryana government has taken a significant step by agreeing to raise the commercial procurement rate for the sunflower crop from ₹4800 to ₹5000 per quintal. However, there is no clarity yet on whether a minimum support price (MSP) will be announced for sunflower.
This decision was made during a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday. The meeting was called in response to the protests by farmers across various parts of the state, demanding a remunerative price for their sunflower produce.
Additionally, the state government has decided to establish a committee, led by Agriculture Minister J P Dalal, to address the matter of MSP for sunflower. The committee will include representatives from farmers’ organizations, the industry, and the government.
While the decision to enhance the procurement rate is a positive development, it is crucial to recognize that MSP serves as the primary guarantee for farmers to receive fair prices for their crops. Hence, it is imperative for the government to announce an MSP for sunflower promptly.
The Haryana government has been facing ongoing farmer protests for several months, primarily concerning the issue of MSP. In April, the government announced an MSP for wheat and maize, but no MSP was announced for sunflower, leading to protests by farmers in various parts of the state.
Farmers are demanding an MSP of ₹5500 per quintal for sunflower, highlighting that the cost of production exceeds ₹5000 per quintal. They emphasize that the government’s announcement of an MSP for sunflower is essential to ensure fair prices for their crops.
Although the government has acknowledged the farmers’ demand for an MSP for sunflower, no decision has been reached thus far.
Farmers remain hopeful that the government will announce an MSP for sunflower in the near future. They stress the significance of an MSP to secure fair prices for their crops and emphasize its importance in supporting their livelihoods.
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