MSP at core of dissent, Punjab rejects Centre’s draft agriculture mktg policy

In a sharp rebuttal to the BJP-led Central government's draft National Policy Framework on agriculture marketing, the Punjab government has rejected the proposal, citing its silence on minimum support price (MSP) and other key concerns.

Days after AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) convenor and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP government of attempting to reintroduce the repealed farm laws "through the backdoor", Punjab’s response has intensified the debate.

Calling MSP the “most crucial issue” for Punjab’s farmers, the state government’s reply to the Centre highlighted fears that the draft policy undermines farmers' interests.

“The absence of any reference to MSP in the framework has reignited apprehensions,” the government’s response stated, adding that MSP is essential to safeguarding farmers from market exploitation, the New Indian Express reported.

The rejection comes as farmer unions under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) held a massive kisan mahapanchayat (mega farmers' rally) in Moga on Thursday, amplifying their opposition to the policy.

The SKM demanded a complete rollback of the draft, accusing the Centre of prioritising corporate interests over farmers' livelihoods.

The Punjab government also criticised the draft’s emphasis on privatising agriculture markets and weakening the Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs). With the highest density of APMC markets in the country, the state argued that its mandi system has proven effective in ensuring fair prices and a transparent trading environment.

Highlighting its extensive consultations with stakeholders, including farmer unions, commission agents, and millers, the Punjab government stressed that opposition to the draft policy is unanimous. The state had initially sought an extension of the 15 December deadline to submit its response and filed its objections on 10 January.

The rejection adds fuel to the ongoing tussle between the Centre and opposition-ruled states over agricultural reforms. As the BJP government attempts to push its agenda, the chorus of dissent from Punjab and farmer unions underscores the enduring resistance to the Center's farm policies.