Punjab doesn't want confrontation with Centre over farm laws: Manpreet Badal

Punjab is t looking at any confrontation with Centre and is only urging it to shed its arrogance and consult stakeholders before implementing farm laws, state Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Bal said on Friday.

Speaking at a virtual event, Bal said Centre should t tinker with existing system of minimum support price (MSP) and procurement as it has stood test of time.

He said kwing how diverse India is, Centre should consider having more models for selling farm produce as one model may t suit all states.

"We are t looking at any confrontation with Government of India. All Punjab is saying is -- why do you want to tinker with system which has stood test of time and me India self-sufficient in food,” he said.

"Why arrogance that ‘only we kw best’. In a diverse and big country like India, one model may t suit every part and we could have two or more models to suit every state," he said at an event organised by Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI).

finance minister's remarks came in wake of Punjab assembly passing four bills to negate Centre’s farm laws. Punjab is opposing farm laws and has urged Centre to have a relook into m, saying y will leave farmers at “ mercy of private players”.

central farm laws have opened up agriculture sector, enabling private players to buy foodgrain directly from farmers.

Bal said all Punjab was against allowing "fly-by-night" operators and permit only those private parties registered with eir state or central government to procure foodgrain from farmers and t cheat m.

y should also ensure buying of foodgrain above MSP as entire food security system would collapse orwise, minister ded.

"Food security is as important as national security. I am sure India's policymakers would think it re," he said. Bal said Punjab is currently diversifying its crops and process will take ar dece. "Diversification cant be abrupt, it has to be organic. Diversification in Punjab is a work in progress," he said. 

(Photo Credit: Twitter/capt_amarinder)