Published 15:48 IST, December 12th 2020

Uttar Pradesh farmers differ with Punjab; demand MSP law & inclusion in talks with Centre

In a change of norm, Uttar Pradesh farmer leaders addressed a press conference at the Delhi-UP border on Saturday, putting forth demands, differing from Punjab

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In a change of rm, Uttar Pradesh farmer leaders addressed a press conference at Delhi-UP border on Saturday, putting forth ir demands. Addressing reporters, All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee's  Sardar VM Singh said that Uttar Pradesh farmers must be included in talks with Centre so that y could put forth ir demands regarding sugarcane, potato. Demanding a law guaranteeing MSP for every vegetable, Singh questioned as to why bills were passed during a pandemic. Farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and ors, continue to st a protest around Delhi's borders for 17th consecutive day, demanding a rollback of se laws.

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UP farmers: 'We want law guaranteeing MSP'

"We fought for sugarcane but we never receive payments.  We want to talk, we want to discuss our issues. one is ready to talk about sugarcane. Earlier, we were discussing on behalf of country, but w our own issues should be raised. We want MSP for potatoes. We want law for that t in writing. We want MSP for every vegetable," said Singh.

He added, "Earlier we were in support of Punjab farmers and thought we have a solution. But thing has happened, w we want Centre to address us also ( UP & Uttarakhand). Why has this bill been imposed forcibly on farmers? Why was this bill bought during epidemic?"

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Farmers protest continue

Rejecting Centre's proposed amendment to three Farm Laws,  farmers have stayed firm on ir demand of total repeal of Farm acts, stating a 'lack of trust' on Modi government. farm union leaders were sent a 10-point proposal by Centre assuring to give written guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), empowering states to create a law which will prevent misuse of traders' registration, continuing current electricity bill payment done by government and amend stubble burning penalty clause. Centre has requested farmers to stop ir protests at Delhi's borders, and continue with next round of talks.  Farmers have retaliated by approaching Supreme Court seeking a total repeal of laws and a nationwide farm waiver.

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As country opened up after lockdown, Centre promulgated three ordinances affecting agriculture. Agriculture foodstuff including cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions, and potato are to be deregulated while stock limits were to be imposed only under extreme conditions, under amendment to Essential Commodities act. Farmers' produce trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act was to enable better price realisation for farmers by attracting investments - making agriculture sector competitive.  Under Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm services ordinance, 2020, it provided a framework for protection and empowerment of farmers with reference to sale and purchase of farm products overriding all state APMC laws. Punjab government has passed laws annulling Centre's laws.

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15:48 IST, December 12th 2020