Punjab Farmers Cry Foul Over Insufficient Paddy MSP Hike

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring criticized the Rs 72 hike in the minimum support price for paddy, calling it inadequate amidst rising input costs. He highlighted the severe economic impact on Punjabi farmers, whose production costs are soaring, and reiterated concerns that this could lead to increased farmer suicides.

Punjab's farming community is in uproar after the Centre announced a Rs 72 increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy, amid soaring input costs. Punjab Congress President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring described the increment as a 'cruel joke' on farmers.

Warring pointed out that farmers face rising expenses on essentials such as diesel, fertilizers, and labor, which dwarf the latest government offer. The added input costs threaten economic stability and have led to a rise in farmer suicides across the state.

With Punjab being a key producer of paddy in India, the inadequacy of the latest MSP adjustment could have far-reaching economic consequences. Warring reminded the Prime Minister of his promise to double farmers' income by 2019, which remains unmet.