A group of government ministers met with farmers for the fourth time to discuss their demands. The farmers, who are protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border, want a guaranteed minimum price for their crops. The ministers included Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai. Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, also joined the meeting, which started on Sunday night and ended early Monday.
Piyush Goyal, speaking after the meeting, said the government suggested buying certain crops at fixed prices for five years. The farmers will consider this proposal over the next two days.
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The plan is for cooperative societies to sign contracts with farmers to buy certain crops at guaranteed prices. There will be no limit on how much they can sell, and a special portal will be set up for this purpose. This could help Punjab’s agriculture, improve groundwater levels, and prevent land from becoming infertile.
The farmers will discuss the government’s offer on February 19-20 and decide what to do next. If their demands aren’t met, they might resume their march to Delhi on February 21.
The farmers have several demands, including a guaranteed minimum price for their crops, implementing recommendations to improve farming and relief measures like debt waivers and pensions. They also want justice for those affected by violence during previous protests.
The farmers’ union plans to protest outside BJP leaders’ homes in Punjab and make toll barriers free for commuters for three days. They insist on fair prices for their crops, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission.
In Haryana, farmer leaders are also organizing support for the protests. They’re concerned about the government delaying decisions until after the elections.
Also Read: Farmer’s Protest Updates: 3 Union Ministers Will Meet Farmer Leaders In Chandigarh
Internet services remain suspended in parts of Punjab, and protests at toll plazas continue. The Haryana government has extended restrictions on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts until February 19.
