Union Ministers to Engage in Third Round of Talks with Farmers as Protest Continues

The ongoing farmers’ protest in India enters another phase as a team of three Union ministers is set to hold a meeting with farmer leaders today, 15th February, marking the third round of talks. Agriculture and Farmer Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal, Nityanand Rai , home affairs minister will engage with farmers at 5 pm, addressing various demands, including Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops

The farmers, who have been camped at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, are part of the ‘Dilli Chalo’ movement, demanding better crop prices promised in 2021. The previous rounds of dialogue on February 8 and 12 remained inconclusive, prompting this third attempt to find common ground.

In response to the use of tear gas shells and water cannons by Haryana security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, farmer groups like Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner) have announced a ‘rail roko’ in Punjab. Farmers plan to squat on rail tracks at seven locations from 12 noon to 4 pm, expressing their dissent.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha lead the ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation, pressing for demands such as a law on MSP, loan waivers, and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations.

Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, involved in negotiations, has urged protesters to cooperate, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing administrative matters promptly. Munda stressed the need for dialogue to find possible solutions while considering the complexity of formulating new laws.

In light of the upcoming Class 10 and 12 board exams and the situation at Delhi borders, the CBSE has issued an advisory for students to reach exam centers well in advance to avoid traffic disruptions.

Amidst these developments, Sarwan Singh Pandher has appealed to the government to cease using tear gas and create a cordial atmosphere for discussions. The ongoing protests have garnered support from public intellectuals and artists, with a joint statement endorsing the joint call by workers and farmers for a sectoral industrial strike and Grameen Bharat Bandh on February 16. The Gramin Bandh is scheduled from 6 am to 4 pm, accompanied by nationwide chakka jams on main roads from 12 pm to 4 pm on Friday, leading to road closures in Punjab for four hours.

The protest has intensified, reminiscent of the 2020 agitation when farmers demanded the repeal of three new farm laws. The current protests focus on the guarantee of MSP for all crops, loan waivers, social security benefits, and a revamped crop insurance scheme. The farmers also seek higher duties on imported agricultural produce to prevent lower farmgate prices.

The agitating farmers’ primary demand, setting MSP based on the cost of cultivation plus a 50% margin, was initially recommended by the Swaminathan committee in 2006. The protests highlight the challenges faced by farmers, including muted earnings due to export curbs, climate shocks, and economic struggles.

In response to the escalating situation, the Punjab government has extended support to injured farmers, covering the cost of their treatment. Hospitals near the Haryana border are on high alert, providing around-the-clock emergency services to ensure the safety of protesting farmers. The talks between farmer leaders and Union ministers aim to address the concerns raised by the agricultural community.

In a recent Twitter post, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging unmet promises. Gandhi accused the PM of failing to deliver on commitments such as creating 2 crore jobs annually, doubling farmers’ income, retrieving black money, reducing inflation, depositing Rs 15 lakh in every account, ensuring women’s safety, constructing 100 smart cities, strengthening the rupee, and confronting China. The Congress leader characterized the PM’s tenure as a “business of fraud” and claimed that the BJP government signifies a “guarantee of lies and injustice,” while pledging that the Congress would fulfill the country’s dreams. This critique comes amidst ongoing farmer protests, demanding the implementation of promised policies, including a Minimum Support Price for crops.