Next round of talks between Government, farmer unions to be held today

The next round of talks between the Central Government and farmer unions will be held in New Delhi today, January 4, 2021. Earlier 6th round of talks between Government and Farmer Unions was held on December 30, 2020. During the meeting, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar had assured the Farmer leaders that government is committed to solving their problems and both sides need to take steps forward to arrive at an amicable solution. He said, consensus on two out of four issues was reached during the meeting. Mr Tomar said, the first issue was an ordinance related to the Environment and the second was on the Electricity Act.

Mr Tomar had assured the Farmer Unions that MSP and the Mandi system will continue like before. The demand of the Farmer Unions for an MSP law and the difference between MSP and market rates for agricultural produce will be referred to a committee when it is constituted. On the Unions' demand for the repeal of Farm Laws, the Minister had said that this too can be referred to a committee which will study the constitutional validity and propriety keeping in mind the welfare of farmers. Mr. Tomar had assured the farmers that the government has an open mind and is willing to resolve all issues with clear intentions.

Agriculture Minister asked the Union leaders to put forward their proposals which the government will study and discuss. He complimented the Farmer Unions for keeping the agitation disciplined and peaceful. The Minister had assured that the government is taking all possible steps for the welfare of farmers.