• Source:JND
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Responding to an MP's question, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Friday, informed the Rajya Sabha that the centre is awaiting the suggestions of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) committee to take a final call on the issue. Chouhan was replying to a question put up by Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman, who had asked whether the centre would bring a law to provide the legal guarantee of MSP to farmers.

While Chouhan referred to the expected recommendations by the MSP committee on the question, his response irked the opposition, who alleged the Minister's trying to deflect the “straightforward” query.

What the Agricultural Minister Said On MSP Bill

Referring to a committee formed by the central government after the farmers' protest of 2021-22, Chouhan said that it was established to ensure MSP for farmers.

“The committee was formed with specific objectives. It is to ensure MSP for farmers…also, to give more autonomy to the commission for agricultural costs and prices and to improve marketing for higher price realisation,” Chouhan said.

However, the Minister's remark ignited a heated response from the opposition benches after several MPs said he was veering away from the question.

Chouhan Hits Back After Oppn's Attack

The minister retorted, saying that the government led by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had dismissed the Swaminathan Commission's recommendation for MSPs to provide 50% returns over cultivation costs.

“On the Swaminathan report’s recommendation that MSP should give 50% returns over costs, the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government clearly stated, and I’m quoting Cabinet notes, that implementing this suggestion can create market distortions,” Chouhan said while citing a cabinet note from July 28, 2007.