Citing manifold increase in agri-inputs rates that turned farming sector “an uneconomical profession”, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Monday asked the Congress-led UPA Government at the Center to link the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of wheat crop with the price index.
“The rates of fertilisers, diesel and other agri-inputs have increased several times in few months resulting increase in cost of production of wheat and other crops…It is the call of the hour to link MSP for wheat with price index as per the recommendations of Swaminathan Commission,” said Sukhbir while answering media queries after holding Sangat Darshan for villages Gill Patti, Goniana Khurd, Nahianwala.
Asked about announcement of party candidates for ensuing general elections, the SAD Chief said that SAD-BJP will take lead in fielding candidates in the state immediate after the announcement of elections.
On opinion polls, Sukhbir said that SAD-BJP will register record margin victories on all lok Sabha seats in Punjab while NDA would touch the figure of 300 at the national level. “Congress would have to face the wrath of electorates for its ill-deeds with a crushing defeat on all 13 seats,” he added.
On the issue of its poll promise to provide laptops to higher secondary students, Sukhbir said that the promise would be fulfilled immediate after starting of 4G connectivity in the state. “Within six to seven months, all villages of Punjab would connect with 4G services,” he added.