On Monday, farmer leaders informed the government of their intent to persist with their march towards Delhi on Wednesday (February 21). After, rejecting the government’s offer to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP for a period of five years. Demonstrating farmers have maintained their presence at Shambhu and Khanauri points along Punjab’s border with Haryana, emphasizing their demands to the Centre.

Farmers have expanded their demands beyond a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) to include several other critical issues. They are advocating for the full implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations. Aiming to ensure fair and remunerative prices for agricultural produce. Additionally, farmers are calling for the establishment of pension schemes for both farmers and agricultural laborers to provide them with financial security in their old age.

Furthermore, farmers are demanding the complete waiver of farm debts to alleviate the financial burden faced by many in the agricultural sector. They are also insisting on the government’s commitment to maintaining:

• Stable electricity tariffs,
• Ensuring that farmers are not subjected to sudden increases in power costs, which could further strain their finances.

Another key demand is the withdrawal of police cases filed against farmers involved in various protests and demonstrations. Additionally, farmers are seeking justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Where farmers and their supporters were involved in a clash with authorities, resulting in fatalities.

The reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 is also a significant demand. It reflects farmers’ concerns about land acquisition processes and the protection of their rights as landowners. Lastly, farmers are calling for compensation to be provided to the families of those who lost their lives during previous protests in 2020-21, underscoring the human cost of agricultural activism.

Farmer Leaders Reject Government’s MSP Proposal:

Leaders spearheading the‘Delhi Chalo‘agitation have dismissed the government’s offer to procure:

• pulses
• maize
• cotton

at Minimum Support Price (MSP) by government agencies for a five-year period. Moreover arguing that it does not serve the interests of farmers.

Government’s Offer in Talks with Farmer Leaders:

a panel consisting of three Union ministers proposed the procurement of pulses, maize, and cotton crops by government agencies at minimum support prices for a duration of five years. It subjected to an agreement with farmers.

Rahul Gandhi Denounces MSP Misinformation:

Rahul Gandhi took to social media on Tuesday to denounce the spread of misinformation regarding the feasibility of guaranteeing MSP within the government’s budget. In a Hindi post on X, Gandhi asserted that:

Ever since the Congress committed to ensuring a legal guarantee for MSP, there has been a proliferation of falsehoods propagated by “Modi’s propaganda machinery” and media aligned with him.