Odisha govt slams PM Modi, Union Agri Minister on MSP

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and questioned on what basis production cost of paddy was ascertained.

“On what basis you (PM Modi and Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh) finalised the production cost of paddy and other crops,” questioned Maharathy.

He said the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy and other crops has been increased considerably keeping in view of elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

He said Prime Minister Modi had announced to hike the MSP at least one and half times of the production cost, a promise which is yet to be fulfilled.

Notably, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the proposal to hike the MSP for Kharif crops.

The MSP for paddy has been raised by around Rs 250 per quintal.