The Delhi government on Wednesday sought public opinion on the proposed implementation of the M.S. Swaminathan Committee report for the minimum support price (MSP).
The central government has set a MSP of Rs 1,744 and Rs 1,778 per quintal for wheat and paddy, respectively. Based on the recommendations of a committee set up last month, the Delhi government recalculated MSP for farmers in the state.
"The proposed MSP with 50 per cent margin at the cost of production is Rs 2,616 per quintal and Rs 2,667 quintal for wheat and paddy, respectively. The proposed MSP structure is higher than the central government's MSP by Rs 776 per quintal for wheat and Rs 897 per quintal for paddy. It is likely to incur an additional liability of Rs 96.38 crore if implemented. There will be a separate mechanism for vegetable growers," Delhi Development Minister Gopal Rai said.
Rai had also sought an appointment with Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh to take up the issue with him.
The meeting was to take place on Wednesday, but Singh cancelled the appointment on Tuesday evening, Rai told IANS.
"The Agricultural Minister had given me the time for 2 p.m. today (on Wednesday). But last evening, he cancelled the appointment, saying he is travelling. No new time is given for the meeting," Rai said.
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Rai stressed the meeting was important as MSP is decided by the central government.
"There are also certain issues faced by farmers for which we need the Centre's support. But MSP was the focus," Rai said.
On Tuesday, Rai held a meeting with farmers in Narela for devising a mechanism to implement MSP for crops on the basis of recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee.
He will hold a similar meeting in Najafgarh on Thursday.
People can e-mail suggestions to the government at kisansuggestions@gmail.com or jdadev.delhi@nic.in till February 12.
--IANS
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