The government remains receptive to engaging in discussions with protesting farmers, although no formal meeting has been scheduled yet, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda stated on Wednesday, stressing the urgency of finding a resolution.
Speaking during the 95th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Society, the minister indicated that while there are no immediate plans for talks, they are essential for reaching a viable solution.
The ongoing 'Delhi Chalo' march, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), continues to push for several demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and farm loan waivers.
In a recent round of discussions on February 18, a government panel proposed a five-year MSP agreement for pulses, maize, and cotton, which was rebuffed by protesting farmer unions.
Addressing the event, Minister Munda underscored the imperative of addressing climate change and soil erosion for the benefit of farmers, highlighting the government's renewed focus on nutrition security.
He lauded the substantial increase in food grain production, enabling the distribution of free wheat and rice to 80 crore individuals, and reiterated the Modi government's commitment to fortifying the agricultural sector.
Munda commended the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for releasing 2,279 high-yielding seed varieties over the past decade, emphasizing the sector's pivotal role in human welfare.
Minister of State for Agriculture, Kailash Chaudhary, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in India's status as a global leader in milk and pulse production and highlighting the potential of horticulture for ensuring food and nutrition security with proper management.
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