Centre's Outreach To Farmers After New Cabinet Meet; Tomar Appeals To End Protest, Tikait Responds

While speaking to reporters after the meeting, Tomar asserted that the procurement system on the minimum support price (MSP) and APMC market yards will stay and rather be strengthened.

(File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: A day after retaining his ministry, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Thursday reiterated Centre's appeal to agitation farmers to end their protest against the new agri laws and resume talks with the government.

Soon after participating in first Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day after a massive overhaul, Tomar once again asserted that the government has no intention to repeal the three farm laws but is ready for discussions. 

While speaking to reporters after the meeting, Tomar asserted that the procurement system on the minimum support price (MSP) and APMC market yards will stay and rather be strengthened.

"Through you, I want to appeal to farmers unions to think seriously on these issues and end the protest. They should adopt the path of dialogue. And the government is ready for discussion," he said while replying to a query during a Cabinet briefing.

"There was apprehension that MSP will be scrapped. However since farmers' protest began, the procurement of foodgrains as well as pulses and oilseeds has risen," Tomar said.

Centre's appeal and assurance came as the agitating farmer unions have threatened to intensify their strike during the monsoon session of Parliament.

"Farm laws were a major step in this direction. I believe farmer unions should understand their benefits well in time. The entire country is understanding the benefits of these laws," Tomar said.

Tomar further assured agitating farmers that after today's Cabinet decision on strengthening agriculture sector of the country, the government will not end APMC. "There is no such provision (to end APMC) in the laws. APMCs are set under the state laws." he said.

Meanwhile, reacting to Tomar's remarks, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said that farmers are ready to talk, but no conditions should be imposed. 

"The farm laws will not be curbed, yet they are asking us to end the protest. Farmers are not protesting for 8 months so that they could follow govt's orders. If they want to talk, they can talk, but no conditions should be imposed," Tikait said.

Thousands of farmers, largely from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at various borders of the national capital for more than seven months in protest against the three laws that they say will end state procurement of crops at MSP.

(With inputs from PTI)