Farmers Reject Centre’s 5-Year MSP Offer, Demand Comprehensive Reforms

New Delhi: Amidst a standoff between the centre and farmers, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella organization of farmer unions, has rejected a five-year contract proposed by the government.

The contract pertained to the purchase of various crops at the old Minimum Support Price (MSP). The SKM criticized the proposal, emphasizing their demand for the procurement of all crops with guaranteed MSP, as promised in the BJP manifesto of 2014. They particularly stressed the implementation of the C2+50 per cent MSP formula recommended by the Swaminathan Commission.

Additionally, the SKM voiced dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency in the government’s communication during the negotiations. They also reiterated other demands, including loan waivers, no increase in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases from previous protests, a comprehensive public sector crop insurance scheme, and a monthly pension of ₹10,000 for farmers over 60. Furthermore, they called for the prosecution of Junior Home Minister Ajay Mishra Teni in connection with the deaths of farmers in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri.

Although the SKM is not the leading body of the current protests, its influence is significant, as it can sway the opinions of participating farmers. The rejection of the government’s contract offer underscores the ongoing discontent and emphasizes the central issue of MSP in the protests.

The negotiations between farmer representatives and the government in Chandigarh resulted in the offer of a five-year contract based on the C2+50 per cent formula. However, farmers have expressed dissatisfaction with the offer, stating it lacks benefits for Punjab and Haryana farmers.

The core demand of the farmers’ protest, ‘Delhi Chalo 2.0’, revolves around securing legal backing for MSPs to ensure government procurement of crops at floor prices.