Odisha Congress demands early declaration of MSP to benefit farmers

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Pradesh Congress Congress Committee (PCC) president Niranjan Patnaik on Saturday said the central government must announce the MSP at the earliest and the Chief Minister of Odisha must put pressure on centre for the cause of the farmers.

Patnaik accused the Central government led by BJP of making false promises to farmers.

He said the union government declared so many schemes for development of farmers, which are practically not reaching the ground line.

“Now the monsoon has touched the entire Odisha as well as the country. But no minimum support price (MSP) has been announced for 24 major crops, as done by June first or the second week usually. This has put the farmers in dilemma and the sowing acreage is around 10% less than last year by this time,” alleged Patnaik.

He said while farmers are preparing their land for Kharif crops, the central government is yet to announce the MSP.

On the other hand, NITI AAYOG constituted by the Prime minister has given three proposals to the government. It has proposed that the fixing of MSP will be shifted to states. Also, some private organizations will be allowed to procure directly from farmers, he added.

“By this, BJP government at centre is trying to shift its responsibility. Because of delay in MSP announcement, farmers will be at loss,” said the PCC president.