Congress Leaders Jairam Ramesh and Randeep Singh Surjewala Speak Out on Farmer Issues and MSP
New Delhi [India], July 22: Ahead of the Budget session, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted the need for three key measures to ensure farmer welfare: giving legal status to Minimum Support Price (MSP), deciding MSP based on the Swaminathan formula, and implementing farm loan waivers.
Ramesh stated, “Three important announcements are needed for farmer welfare in the budget – 1. Legal status to MSP 2. MSP is decided on the basis of Swaminathan formula 3. Loan waiver for farmers.” He emphasized that MSP for 22 crops should be increased according to the C2+50% formula recommended by the Swaminathan Commission.
Ramesh argued that legal status for MSP would ensure robust implementation, including strategic procurement and better regulation. He also called for a permanent commission to assess and monitor farm loan waivers.
Criticizing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, Ramesh noted that while the UPA government had significantly increased MSP for wheat and paddy, the current government’s increases have been insufficient to keep up with inflation and rising agricultural input costs.
Ramesh also highlighted the growing farmer debt, citing NSSO data that shows a 58% increase in outstanding loans since 2013, with more than half of farmers in debt and over one lakh farmer suicides since 2014.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala shared concerns about the government’s plans to reintroduce what he called “anti-agriculture black laws.” He urged stronger resistance, stating, “The more the oppression increases, the stronger the intentions will become.”
Doubts Revealed
Congress -: Congress is a major political party in India. It has been one of the oldest and most influential parties in the country.
Jairam Ramesh -: Jairam Ramesh is a senior leader in the Congress party. He often speaks about environmental and agricultural issues.
Randeep Singh Surjewala -: Randeep Singh Surjewala is another important leader in the Congress party. He is known for his strong opinions on various political matters.
MSP -: MSP stands for Minimum Support Price. It is the price at which the government buys crops from farmers to ensure they get a fair price.
Swaminathan formula -: The Swaminathan formula is a method to calculate MSP. It suggests that farmers should get at least 50% more than their cost of production.
Farm loan waivers -: Farm loan waivers mean that the government forgives the loans taken by farmers. This helps farmers who are unable to repay their loans.
Budget -: The Budget is a financial plan presented by the government every year. It shows how the government plans to spend money on different things.
Anti-agriculture laws -: Anti-agriculture laws are rules that farmers believe are harmful to their interests. These laws can make it difficult for them to sell their crops or get a good price.
