In a statement aimed at assuaging ongoing farmer concerns, Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday emphasised the government's dedication to farmer welfare.
Expressing confidence in a positive outcome, he suggested farmer leaders would soon call off their protest.
Minister Goyal, along with Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, have already engaged with farmer representatives in four rounds of talks.
The central issue at hand remains the demand for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Goyal underscored the government's unwavering support for farmers. "We stand by them," he declared, urging them not to be misled by "propaganda." He reiterated the government's commitment to securing a bright future for every farmer in India.
The Minister elaborated on proposals presented to the farmer leaders during the talks. These proposals outlined ways the government could collaborate with farmers for a more prosperous agricultural sector and achieve national self-reliance.
Expressing optimism, Goyal stated, "I am confident that they will see reason and call off this protest."
When questioned about further scheduled talks, he clarified that engagement with all stakeholders remains an ongoing process.
"We maintained regular communication with farm leaders even before the protest began," he said. "This engagement will continue in the future as well."
The current standoff stems from the government's proposal, rejected by farmer leaders, to have government agencies purchase pulses, maize, and cotton crops at MSP for five years based on pre-determined agreements with farmers.
The protest began with a march towards Delhi by Punjab farmers on February 13th. Security forces intercepted them at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points separating Punjab and Haryana. Since then, many farmers have remained camped out at the border as part of their ongoing "Delhi Chalo" protest.
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