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Farmers and Union Ministers will meet for another round of talks on Wednesday in Chandigarh to resolve the long-standing deadlock over the legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other demands. This will be the seventh round of negotiations between the two sides since the fresh wave of protests began in February 2024, led by the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM). Unlike the previous six meetings, which were held in the evening, this one has been rescheduled for 11 am.
 
The Central Government has officially sent an invitation to the farmer leaders, confirming the meeting. The talks is expected to be attended by two to three Union Ministers, along with representatives from the Punjab Government.
 
The previous meeting between the two sides took place on February 22, chaired by the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. During that discussion, which lasted nearly three and a half hours, farmer representatives provided detailed financial data to support their demand for an MSP guarantee law. They argued that ensuring MSP legally would not be a burden on the government and estimated that the cost could be managed within Rs 25,000-30,000 crore annually.
 
The government, in response, had requested additional documentation to consult experts and assess the feasibility of the demand. The farmers subsequently submitted all necessary records, reinforcing their claim that a legal MSP framework is both viable and essential for the agricultural sector.
 
With farmers outfits having submitted all documents supporting its demands and claims, their representatives are expecting a positive outcome from the meeting believing that the Central Government had “enough time” to study its proposal.
 
Dallewal’s Hunger Strike Crosses 113 Days
As the protests continue, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike at the Punjab-Haryana border in Khanauri has now entered its 113th day. Following the government's letter confirming the meeting, Dallewal released a video message on Tuesday stating that the scheduled discussion would go ahead as planned. Dallewal said that the representatives from both protesting farmer forums will participate and present their stance forcefully.
 
Initially, the talks were set for 5 pm but were later rescheduled to the morning. Dallewal reiterated that farmers will not withdraw their agitation until their demands are met.
 
Farmers Plan to Intensify Protests
As uncertainty looms over the outcome of Wednesday’s meeting, farmers have planned a series of protest actions to keep up the pressure. On March 21, the farmers have planned to march in large numbers to submit memorandums to MLAs in Shutrana, Narwana, Ghanaur, and Ambala, urging them to support the farmers' cause. 
 
On March 23, to commemorate the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, protest sites will host special programs highlighting the historical significance of their sacrifice.
 
Furthermore, on March 30, ‘Save Crops, Save Future’ Mahapanchayats will be held at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders. These gatherings will include students from Classes VIII to XII, as well as University and College students, who will participate in discussions on the importance of MSP and the future of Indian agriculture.