MSP will continue: Narendra Singh Tomar after inconclusive meeting with farmers
Farmers protest against farm laws 2020: The Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Saturday, after meeting between Centre and farmers, said that "We have said that the MSP will continue, there is no threat to it." "It is baseless to doubt this. Still, if someone is suspicious then the government is ready to resolve it," he said. Also Read | ‘Kisan ki mange puri karo’: Diljit Dosanjh spotted at farmers protest "We don't intend to affect the mandi in the states, they are not affected by the law either. The Government is ready to do anything in its power to further strengthen APMC. If anyone has any misconception regarding APMCs, then govt is absolutely ready to clarify it," Narendra Singh Tomar said after a meeting between the Centre and farmers. Watch it here: "We've told farmers that govt will consider all their aspects. It would've been easier for us to find a solution if we get suggestions from farmers' leaders...We request Kisan unions to send elderly and children back home in wake of Covid and cold weather," Union Agriculture Minister said. "I want to assure farmers that Modi govt was fully committed to you, and will remain so in future. Under PM Modi's leadership, several agricultural schemes have been implemented. Budget and MSP has also increased," he said. Responding to Dec 8 Bharat Bandh call, Tomar said: "I'd not like to comment on a program of Unions. But I'd like to urge farmers and Unions to leave the path of agitation and come to the path of discussion. Govt has had several rounds of talks with them and is ready for further discussion for a solution." "Farmers should keep faith in Modi govt that whatever will be done, it will be in their interest. I want to thank Farmers' unions for maintaining the discipline...Since talks couldn't be completed today, we've called for another meeting on December 9," he added. Also Read | Farmers-Centre meeting inconclusive; next round of talks on December 9 Meanwhile, farmers are firm, saying that either say yes or no on taking back the farm laws 2020, even though ministers said that the government was ready for the amendments to the laws. Hannan Mollah, General Secy, All India Kisan Sabha, said that "We said at the beginning of the meeting that our demand is the withdrawal of laws, don't want an amendment. We took a firm stand. Finally, we were told that the next meeting will be held on Dec 9. It seems govt will definitely roll back the laws." Rakesh Tikait, Bharatiya Kisan Union, said that "Govt will prepare a draft and give us. They said that they'll consult the states too. Discussions were held on MSP too but we said that we should also take up laws and talk about their rollback. Bharat Bandh (on 8th Dec) will go on as announced." -PTC News