"Welfare of farmers is our commitment": Shivraj Singh Chouhan

New Delhi [India], December 6 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday reaffirmed the government's commitment to the welfare of farmers, emphasising the importance of Minimum Support Price (MSP). He highlighted the government's efforts to increase MSP rates and ensure the procurement of crops at these rates.
Responding to queries in the Rajya Sabha about MSP, Chouhan said, "MSP is provided when crops are sold at rates lower than the MSP. I want to assure you that the welfare of farmers remains our priority. We have worked towards raising MSP and purchasing crops at MSP rates."
Chouhan further stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, there has been an unprecedented increase in budget allocations for farmers over the past decade.
"The government under PM Modi's leadership is dedicated to farmers' welfare. Over the last 10 years, there has been an unprecedented rise in the budget for agriculture and an increase in MSP for crops. The Modi government operates with foresight, focusing on enhancing farmers' incomes," he added.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed confidence in Chouhan, referring to him as a potential favourite among farmers. "Let me say, the Minister (Shivraj Singh Chouhan), who was once known as the 'Ladla' (favourite) of the nation, will become the 'Ladla' of the farmers," Dhankhar remarked.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, invited protesting farmers for discussions, reiterating the government's openness to dialogue.
"The doors are open for farmers to discuss their issues. I consider myself their brother. If they wish to come to us, they are welcome, or we will go to them for talks," he said.
Earlier in the day, farmers marching towards Delhi as part of the 'Delhi Chalo' protest were stopped at the Shambhu border. The protestors had announced their march to the national capital to press for various demands.
"They (police) will not let us proceed to Delhi. Some farmer leaders have been injured. We will hold a meeting to decide our future strategy," farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said at the border.
Drone footage revealed police barricades where 101 farmers were stopped, with heavy police deployment in the area. Tear gas was used to disperse the protestors at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border.
"The farmers do not have permission to enter Haryana. The Ambala administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)," a police officer informed ANI.
The Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and other farmer organisations are demanding compensation and a legal guarantee for MSP.
The first session of the winter Parliament began on November 25 but faced disruptions, leading to early adjournments. The session is scheduled to continue until December 20. (ANI)