Chandigarh, February 22: The second round of talks between the Union Government and representatives of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha took place today at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) in a constructive and cordial atmosphere, with both sides engaging in meaningful dialogue.
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Minister Sh. Pralhad Joshi and Commerce & Industry Minister Sh. Piyush Goyal, along with Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sh. Lal Chand Kataruchak, patiently listened to the demands of the farmers and asked them to send the detailed charter of their issues and concerns so as to enable the Union Ministers to study them thoroughly.
Union Ministers assured the farmer leaders that the dialogue will be continued with the farmers and the next round of talks has been scheduled for March 19, 2025, as both sides continue to work towards resolving the ongoing issues.
The farm leaders reiterated their key demand for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce.
Punjab Chief Secretary Mr. KAP Sinha, Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (GoI) Mr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Principal Secretary Food & Civil Supplies Mr. Vikas Garg, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav and other senior officials of the government were also present in the meeting.
Later, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, along with Lal Chand Kataruchak and Chief Secretary Mr. KAP Sinha held a separate meeting with farmer union leaders. Farmer leaders raised concerns about the issue of shortage of maize seeds and the soaring prices. In response, Agriculture Minister S. Khudian directed Director Agriculture Jaswant Singh to investigate the matter thoroughly and take strict action against any dealers, who are exploiting farmers or found involved in the black marketing of maize seeds. This move was welcomed by the farmers, who expressed hope for immediate relief.
S. Khudian reaffirmed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government stands firmly with the farmers and is fully committed to their welfare. He assured that the state government will continue to support farmers’ legitimate demands and work tirelessly to address their concerns, ensuring their rights and livelihoods are protected.
