Farmer Protests: Deadlock continues between representatives of both sides
The fifth round of talks between the farmers’ organizations and the government ended on Saturday after both sides failed to reach any conclusion. The farmer leaders also rejected the points of consensus made in the previous talks. They stood firm on their demand to abolish all three laws of agrarian reform. The farmers were not willing to listen to the amendments to the laws. The next talks will be held on December 9 for some concrete solutions on all other issues, including the minimum support price (MSP) guarantee. Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar said, “The farmers unions could not come very clearly to the meeting on some issues.”
Farmer leaders angry with the government’s attitude
Angry over the government’s stand in a five-hour long meeting at Vigyan Bhavan, the farmer leaders took silence. They said that the government should only answer ‘yes or no’ to their demands. Farmer representatives also brought water, tea and food with them on Saturday. They boycotted government facilities. Indian Farmers Union leader Rakesh Tikait said, “The government wants to exhaust the negotiations by dragging it long, but farmers do not get tired.” Farmers’ organizations are firm on their decision to shut down everything on 8 December. The government wanted the sixth round to meet on December 7, but the farmers pushed it forward for December 9.
Speaking about the talks, Agriculture Minister Tomar said, “The government does not intend to affect the APMC (mandi) system in any way.” The government is ready to empower them. If there is any misunderstanding in this, then the government is ready for its solution. Clearly suggestions were sought for some subjects, but this could not be done. ‘ All aspects will be considered in the December 9 meeting.Tomar also gave a detailed account of various schemes referring to the commitment of the government for the development of the agricultural sector. He urged the farmer unions to leave the agitation and come on the path of discussion, so that a solution can be found.
Government ready to address all concerns
Some points were identified in the discussion on Thursday, the details of which were given by Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Aggarwal. As the discussion began, the farmers rejected it and were adamant on demanding the abolition of the three laws and the law guaranteeing the MSP. The meeting was also attended by Agriculture Minister Tomar along with Railway and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Commerce Som Prakash. It was said by all the ministers, ‘The government is ready to address all the concerns of the farmers. The government is conscious of the interests of Punjab. The feelings of the farmers there will not be hurt in any way.’
