In a significant move to bolster farmers' rights, SAD MP from Bathinda Harsimrat Kaur Badal has introduced a Private Members Bill in the Parliament seeking to make the Minimum Support Price (MSP) a legal guarantee for all crops.
The move is seen as a critical measure to address the financial distress faced by the farmers and to align with the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations for agricultural sustainability.
The proposed bill aims to ensure that farmers receive a price for their produce that includes a 50 percent profit over the comprehensive cost of production. Currently, farmers are disheartened by the fact that they only receive about 30 percent of the price paid by consumers, leaving them vulnerable to debts and financial instability. Harsimrat’s proposed bill seeks to rectify this imbalance by securing MSP as a statutory right.
Emphasizing the urgency of the bill, Harsimrat said: “Farmers are the backbone of our nation, yet they are struggling with inadequate compensation for their hard work. This bill is designed to provide them with the financial security they need and deserve. I urge all political parties to come together in support of this measure to stabilize farmers' incomes and promote sustainable agricultural practices.”
In a show of solidarity, Harsimrat, along with MPs from other Punjab-based parties, including members from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, met with farmers in Delhi earlier this week. During this meeting, they assured the farmers of their unwavering support and commitment to addressing their concerns.
Prior to the introduction of the bill, farmers had also submitted a petition to all MPs, excluding the 240 BJP members, urging for the inclusion of a legal MSP guarantee in the budget session. They highlighted that this legislative move was essential for their financial stability and promised to closely monitor the actions of all political parties, adjusting their strategies based on their support for this critical issue.
“In a landmark event to secure the just rights of the “Annadaata”, Shiromani Akali Dal MP @HarsimratBadal_ has moved a Private Members Bill in parliament to make Minimum Support Price (#MSP) a legal guarantee on all crops…This is the need of the hour to save farmers from indebtedness. This should be done as per the Swaminathan Commission recommendations which calls for ensuring a 50 % profit on the comprehensive cost of production….️I appeal to all political parties to support the Bill to provide financial security to farmers, stabilize their income and encourage sustainable agriculture practices,” SAD president and Harsimrat’s husband Sukhbir Singh Badal posted on X.
