Mumbai, 19 Feb (Commoditiescontrol):In a significant move to pacify protesting farmers, India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal announced guaranteed support prices for pulses, corn, and cotton. This decision comes after a week of intense clashes between farmers and security forces, who used tear gas and barricades to prevent the farmers from entering the capital, New Delhi.
The farmers, a key voting group, have protested for a minimum price guarantee for their crops. Their demands gained urgency with the approach of the general elections, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking an unprecedented third term.
Minister Goyal revealed the government's proposal for five-year contracts with cooperative societies after marathon negotiations with farmers' unions. These contracts encourage crop diversification, focusing on pulses like toor dal, urad dal, masoor dal, corn, and cotton. The government promises to purchase these crops at a minimum support price, with no cap on the quantity.
While the farmers' unions have yet to accept the proposal, stating they need a day or two to deliberate, this move is seen as a significant step towards resolving the ongoing deadlock. The government's commitment to ensuring a minimum price for these crops directly responds to the farmers' core demand and could play a crucial role in the upcoming elections.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91-9820130172)