Farmers Rally for MSP Guarantee and Loan Waiver Bill from Opposition MPs

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) is intensifying its advocacy efforts by submitting a memorandum to Opposition MPs on July 8, urging them to introduce a private members’ bill for a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee and complete farm loan waivers. Led by Kurubur Shanthakumar, the Federation of Karnataka Farmers’ Associations president, the initiative aims to remind MPs of their pre-poll promises and press for legislative action.

Criticizing the recent MSP hike as inadequate, Shanthakumar emphasized the need for a statutory MSP guarantee instead of token gestures. He condemned the reduction in import duties on cooking oils, alleging it favored large corporations over local farmers, highlighting disparities in state and central support prices for agricultural produce like paddy. The farmers’ demands also include immediate dues clearance for cattle farmers and additional payments promised by sugar mills, signaling ongoing unrest and advocacy in the agricultural sector.