MSP

As both Farmer leaders and the Centre hardened their positions, the 11th round of talks on January 22 concluded in a stalemate. While the farmer unions necessitated the legal guarantee of MSP and the complete revocation of farm laws, the Centre re-emphasized deferring the laws for 1.5 years. After offering their proposals, government authorities said, "if they have a better proposal, they can come to us."

Day after the farmer leaders' met with Amit Shah, Centre has mooted a proposal saying that the government is ready to assure MSP in written. The government has acknowledged at least seven proposals of farmers and has agreed to regulate the mandi system. The proposal also included amendments like levying equal taxes for mandis as well as private players. However, farmers have declined the proposal and insisted on revoking laws.

Kerala government plans to support the farmers growing fruits and vegetables with a minimum support price (MSP). To be applied from November 1 on Kerala’s foundation day, the scheme will offer an MSP of 20% over production cost for 16 crops. While MSP list would be revised from time-to-time, local-government bodies will procure on MSP, even if base-price falls below. Farmers with upto15 acres of cultivation will be benefitted under this.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on September 30 stated that the farm bills will be a turning point in the history of Indian agriculture. He stated that the bills would increase farmers' income opportunities as they will be free to sell their produce in mandis, and can avail the option of Minimum Support Price also. Earlier, all the three farm bills passed by the Parliament received the President's assent.