Centre Invites Farmers for Fifth Round of Talks, Urges Dialogue for Resolution

Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda extended an invitation to Punjab farmers for a fifth round of talks, expressing the central government’s readiness to address all concerns, including MSP, crop diversification, and the stubble issue. Minister Munda emphasized the importance of finding a solution through dialogue and urged the farmers to participate in peaceful discussions.

Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Minister Arjun Munda stated, “After the fourth round, the government is ready to discuss all the issues like MSP, crop diversification, stubble issue, FIR in the fifth round. I again invite the farmer leaders for discussion,” while appealing for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Acknowledging that there has been no response from the farmers’ side, Munda emphasized the government’s desire to move forward and find a solution. He urged the farmers to engage in talks and present their perspectives.

Minister Munda is part of the ministerial team engaging with farmer leaders, including Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai. The ongoing dialogue aims to address the concerns raised by the farmers and reach a mutually agreeable solution.

In response to the government’s invitation, Sarwan Singh Pandher, the general secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, reiterated the demand for a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP). Pandher assured a peaceful approach, stating that only leaders would march towards the national capital in the ‘Dilli Chalo’ movement.

Farmers, protesting against the Centre’s proposals on MSP purchase, resumed their march on Wednesday morning after the fourth round of talks ended in a stalemate. The farmers have been demanding a legal guarantee for MSP, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s proposals.

Addressing the farmers’ concerns, Pandher emphasized the need for a law on MSP and appealed for a peaceful approach. The ongoing protests have witnessed clashes between farmers and security forces, resulting in injuries on both sides.

The dialogue between the government and farmer leaders has been ongoing, with talks held on February 8, 12, and 15. Despite the discussions, a conclusive resolution has not been reached, and the farmers continue to press for their demands.