Union Agriculture Minister Tomar says protest against farm laws an 'exception'; hopes for an early solution

ongoing farmers' protest at Delhi borders is an "exception" and "limited to one state", Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said on Wednesday and hoped for an early solution as government is in talks with farmer unions.

"re is an atmosphere of enthusiasm in country because of recent reforms in farm sector," he said while referring to enactment of three new legislations.

ongoing protest is an exception and agitation is limited to one state. We are holding discussions and talks. I believe re will be an early solution, Tomar said at a virtual conference organized by industry body Assocham.

minister ted that while re is an agitation going on on one side, re are also lakhs of farmers coming in support of se laws.

Tomar highlighted measures taken by central government in last six years to boost farmers' income and make agriculture sector profitable.

Thousands of farmers, particularly from Punjab and Haryana, are protesting for more than two weeks against three farm laws, saying new legislation will lead to dismantling of MSP (Minimum Support Price) and mandi systems and leave m at mercy of corporates.

Tomar, who is leading negotiation with about 40 farmer unions along with Food Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Commerce Som Parkash, said government has taken various initiatives during COVID-19 pandemic for growth of farm sector, including a Rs 1,00,000 crore fund for creating farm-level infrastructure and setting up of 10,000 FPOs. (Farmer Producer Organisations).

se budgetary provisions in agriculture and allied sector will strengn rural ecomy and make farming activities profitable, he said.

As standoff continues between government and groups of protesting farmers over three farm laws, Tomar had on Tuesday said Acts have been welcomed in various states and that Centre was willing to continue its talks with "genuine farm unions" to find a solution with an open mind.

MSP at which government commits to procure produce from farmers is an administrative decision and it will continue as it is, minister had said.

Earlier this week, Tomar told PTI that next round of meetings will definitely happen to eng with farmers. farmer leaders have to decide and convey when y are ready for next meeting, he added.

In its proposal to farmers last week, Centre said it will give a written assurance that MSP system will remain and also redress ir or key concerns.

unions, however, are demanding a complete rollback of central laws and have threatened to intensify ir agitation. 

(IM CREDITS:PTI)