Congress Urges Key MSP Reforms Ahead of Union Budget

On the eve of the Union budget presentation, the Congress party demanded legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP), a revision based on the Swaminathan formula, and a permanent commission for farm loan waivers. The party criticized the Central Government's agricultural policies, highlighting escalating farmer debt and suicide rates.

On the eve of the Union budget presentation, the Congress party has called for significant reforms to aid farmers. The party emphasized three main demands: making MSP a legal guarantee, adjusting MSP according to the Swaminathan formula, and establishing a permanent commission to oversee farm loan waivers.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, accusing it of incompetence and ill-will. He compared the Modi government's MSP increases unfavorably with those during the UPA era, stressing that current MSP rates fail to match inflation and rising agricultural costs.

Ramesh cited National Sample Survey Office data showing a 58% increase in outstanding loans since 2013 and highlighted over one lakh farmer suicides since 2014. He urged the government to take decisive action in the upcoming Budget, including firm implementation of MSP and better regulation to support the agriculture sector. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies.)