Farmer Leader Charuni Sets Deadline for MSP Inclusion, Threatens Haryana Agitation

In response to the Centre’s proposal to guarantee Minimum Support Prices (MSP) on pulses, maize, and cotton, farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni issued a warning on Monday. Charuni emphasized the importance of adding oilseeds and Bajra to the MSP list and stated that if the government doesn’t agree by February 21, Haryana would also join the ongoing agitation.

Charuni stated, “There is time until 21st February. The government should think and understand that these two things (Oilseeds and Bajra) are very important (for procurement). If these two are not included, we will have to think about it again because these are our important things which do not get sold.”

He highlighted the disparity in mustard prices, being sold Rs 2000 less than the MSP in the market. Charuni issued the ultimatum that if the government does not include oilseeds and Bajra by February 21, Haryana would join the ongoing farmers’ agitation.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal mentioned positive and extensive discussions with farmer representatives and emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns. However, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal indicated that further discussions and consultations within their forums are required before reaching a conclusion.

The farmers’ demands include legal guarantees for MSPs and loan waivers, and the talks between ministers and farmer leaders have taken place on several occasions, with the latest round held on February 15. The ongoing farmers’ protest has seen demonstrators camping at the Shambhu border near Ambala, with the fourth round of talks scheduled for resolution.