RSS-backed farmers' body holds massive protest on MSP

The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) organised a massive protest here today demanding an increase in the minimum support price (MSP) of cotton and other agricultural produce.
The rally, attended by thousands of farmers from across the state, was led by the president of the Gujarat wing of BKS, Maganbhai Patel. The protest today followed several smaller rallies by farmers from different regions of the state.
The farmers' organisation's main demand is that MSP for cotton should be raised from the current Rs 810 per 20 kg to Rs 1,500. They have also sought higher MSPs for all agriculture produce.
The rally is significant as it is the first time in recent years that any Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-backed organisation has taken to the streets against the BJP-ruled central and state governments on the farmers' issue.

Patel expressed his dissatisfaction with the Narendra Modi -led central government and claimed it has failed to address this important issue concerning lakhs of farmers in Gujarat.
"We have been making representations to the Centre about the MSP issue for the last two months, but it seems that it is simply not taking the issue seriously and using delaying tactics. Even the BJP-led state government is yet to respond positively," Patel said.

According to Patel, the present MSP of Rs 810 per 20 kg being given to cotton farmers is not justified as farmers incur more than Rs 1,000 as total cultivation cost per 20 kg.

"It is not merely for cotton, but the MSP of all agricultural produce should be increased. The MSP must include the cost as well as 50 per cent as profit margin. Purchase centres should be based at the village level and not at the town level.
"We also want solutions to many other problems. To address them effectively, we plan to strengthen our organisation," Patel said.