Nitin Gadkari reaffirms Modi govt's decision to hike MSP for crops

Union Minister Nitin Gkari reaffirmed that Modi government will hike  minimum support price (MSP) of crops and any report suggesting a decrease is false.

" Union Cabinet, under PM Modi's leership, decided to hike MSP for farmers... I have t me any statements about decreasing MSP, this has been falsely attributed to me. government of India has always protected farmers and will continue doing so," said Nitin Gkari.

RE | Punjab To Take Tough Measures On Any Move Of Disbanding MSP, Foodgrain Marketing: CM

Cabinet's d to MSP hike

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar earlier this month anunced that Union Cabinet has approved increase in Minimum Support Price for 14 Kharif crops by 50-83%. Maintaining that farmers were a priority for Centre even during nationwide lockdown, he revealed that y gave a bumper crop due to thoughtful decisions taken by government. He ted that government h accepted recommendations of Swaminathan Commission in 2018-19 itself by ensuring that farmers get a 50% profit on ir produce.

RE | 'Promise Fulfilled': PM Modi Lauds Cabinet Decision To Increase MSP For Kharif Crops

'A big relief for farmers' 

Tomar also mentioned that Cabinet h decided to extend time for farmers to repay ir loans till August 31. If a farmer mand to repay loan till August 31, only a 4% interest shall be applicable. According to him, this was a big relief for farmers and recalled that subsidy worth Rs.28,000 h been given under this scheme in 2019. He ded that more than 6.65 crore farmers are covered in scheme. 

RE | Coronavirus Live Updates: India Crosses 3-lakh Mark During Unlock1, Total Cases At 308993

Or govt measures in farm sector

On June 3, cabinet approved amendment me in Essential Commodities Act, 1955, removing items such as food grains, oil, dal, pulses, potato from its purview. cabinet approved an ordinance to free farmers from constraints of Agriculture Produce Market Committee, whereby farmers would be able to sell ir produce anywhere.

Along with it, Cabinet also approved Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance in order to ensure that farmers get greater freedom to eng with processors, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters while protecting ir interests. se schemes h alrey been anunced as part of ecomic tranches rolled out by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

RE | Nitin Gkari Says India's National Security Strong, Border Issue With China Resolved