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New Delhi : Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Railways, Commerce and Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal, and Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Prakash participated in the 6th round of talks with the representatives of Farmers’ Unions at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on December 30, 2020. Tomar assured the Farmers’ Unions leaders that government is committed to solving farmers’ problems and both sides need to take steps forward to arrive at an amicable solution.
Tomar assured the Farmers’ Unions that MSP and the Mandi system will continue like before. The demand of the Farmers’ Unions for an MSP law and the difference between MSP and market rates for agricultural produce would be referred to a committee when it is constituted, according to a PIB release.
On the Unions’ demand for the repeal of Farm Laws, the Minister said that this too can be referred to a committee which will study the constitutional validity and propriety keeping in mind the welfare of farmers.
Regarding the Air Quality Management Ordinance and the Electricity Amendment Bill, Tomar said that suggestions of the farmers’ unions have been agreed too in principle. Tomar assured the farmers that government has an open mind and is willing to resolve all issues with clear intentions.
The talks proceeded in a cordial atmosphere and both sides agreed to continue dialogue. The Agriculture Minister asked the Union leaders to put forward their proposals which the government will study and discuss. Tomar complimented the Farmers’ Unions for keeping the agitation disciplined and peaceful. He assured that the government is taking all possible steps for the welfare of farmers.
The next round of talks will take place on January 4, 2021. The Agriculture Minister appealed to Farmers’ Unions to end their agitation so that women, children, and elders can return home.