During Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, there was a spirited discussion on farmers' issues. SP MP Ramji Lal Suman asked about the details of the meetings of the committee formed on July 12, 2000, to address farmers' problems. In response, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan stated that to them, farmers are like deities and serving them is akin to worship. He explained the committee was established for three primary objectives: providing MSP, making the system transparent, and offering suggestions for greater autonomy and improvements in the agricultural distribution system.
The Agriculture Minister informed that the committee had held 22 meetings. He mentioned that recommendations from this committee would be considered. To this, Ramji Lal Suman expressed his concern about the uncertain environment and asked for a direct response on whether the government plans to provide legal status to MSP. The chairman, Jagdeep Dhankar, commented on the oddity of Ram questioning Shiv. Shivraj replied that the rates of MSP have been consistently raised to ensure fair prices for farmers, and he denounced the accusations as false, underlining the government's six-point strategy.
Shivraj listed measures from increasing production to reducing costs and claimed that no one is more pro-farmer than Narendra Modi. He assured that actions would be taken based on the committee's report findings but emphasized that they are not idle until then. He cited specific figures showing the increase in MSP for 23 crops. This led to an uproar from opposition members. Shivraj highlighted that during Surjewala’s government, MSP was far lower than it is under Narendra Modi's administration. He emphasized the continuous decisions made in favor of farmers.
Shivraj also mentioned the increase in wheat and paddy purchases and the government's provision of Rs 1.68 lakh crore in fertilizer subsidies. He assured that the government is serious about taking further necessary steps. This led to another uproar from opposition members demanding a legal guarantee for MSP, forcing the chairman to call order and warn of disciplinary actions. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan reiterated that the government would purchase the full production of crops like tur, masoor, and urad from farmers.
The minister compared MSP procurement figures during the tenure of UPA and NDA governments, accusing the opposition of shedding crocodile tears. Thereupon, in response to the supplementary demands, the chairman warned that demands made at gunpoint would not be met and chastised the members for their stubbornness. Shivraj also presented the UPA government’s cabinet note denying a 50% increase in MSP over costs and mentioned the rejection of recommendations by the Swaminathan Committee. This sparked further uproar among opposition members.
Attacking the opposition, Shivraj stated that they only engage in politics over farmers' issues, intending to push the country into chaos. He proclaimed a full commitment to ensuring the well-being of farmers.
