FM Sitharaman LIVE: Hope states fall in line with new reforms, says CII

The Finance Minister had on Thursday announced Rs 3.16 trillion support for vulnerable sections, including migrant workers, farmers, tribals, street vendors - all hit hard by locdown

8:18 PM

BJP President welcomes farmer-oriented schemes announced by FM today

BJP President JP Nadda said that today's announcements will hugely benefit farmers and enhance their incomes. Rs 1 trillion fund for farmgate infra,scheme for global marketing of local agri-produce, new schemes to benefit herbal cultivators, fruits and vegetable growers, beekeepers, fisheries, dairying etc. He further welcomed far-reaching agricultural reforms announced by FM today. He qlso praised rroposed amendments to Essential Commodities Act, 1955; APMC Act & legal framework for advance sale agreements to ensure better returns to farmers. He also extended his thank to PM Modi for these very effective decisions

6:55 PM

Modi govt neither understands the pain of the farmer nor the problem of farming: Cong

During the Corona epidemic, farmers and labourers are facing the most difficulty. Instead of giving them relief the Modi govt. is hurting the farmers and labourers and instead of providing help, it is pushing the farmer in the debt trap. One thing is clear that the Modi Govt. neither understands the pain of the farmer nor the problem of farming. Therefore, the farmers have not been extended any help, even worth a single penny: Surjewala

6:50 PM

Farmers will face a loss of ₹21,000 crore: Congress

Estimated production of wheat for Rabi season 2020-21 is 100 million tonnes. MSP of ₹1925 per quintal will cost ₹1,92,500 crore. Modi government is procuring only 35% wheat on MSP, i.e. 350 lakh tons. In Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and other states, wheat is being sold for ₹1400 to ₹1600 per quintal, ₹325 per quintal less than the MSP. By this alone, farmers will face a loss of ₹21,000 crore

6:46 PM

Government has only identified 8.22 crore farmers so far: Surjewala

There are 14.64 crore farmers in India as per 2016 data. Of these, the government has only identified 8.22 crore farmers so far for the Kisan Samman Nidhi. Which means 6.42 crore farmers have not been identified: Surjewala

6:45 PM

Central Govt has increased the cost price of farming by about ₹15,000 per hectare

In May 2014, price of DAP fertiliser was ₹1125 per bag (50 kg), today it has increased to ₹1400 per bag. For the first time, GST was imposed on agriculture. ₹15000 per hectare was taken from farmers and only ₹6000 per year was given to half of the farmers. Central Government has increased the cost price of farming by about ₹15,000 per hectare in the last 5 years. Modi government increased excise duty on diesel from ₹3.56 to ₹31.83. per litre

6:43 PM

Watch | Congress reacts on announcements by Sitharaman

6:36 PM

Modi Govt believes that India's welfare lies in the welfare of farmers: Amit Shah

6:23 PM

Will react once the soap opera by Sitharaman ends: Chhattisgarh CM

6:10 PM

We hope that the states fall in line with these changes: Director General, CII

In 3rd tranche of the package announced by FM today, focus was rightly laid on agricultural sector. A combination of big-ticket reforms with allocation of money for agricultural infrastructure and logistics is a welcome move. The amendment of the Essential Commodities Act and the agricultural marketing reforms proposed by the Finance Minister are indeed heartening. We hope that the states fall in line with these changes: Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII

5:59 PM

Aim behind 'Namami Gange' has been to encourage activities that boost economy: UP CM

Our aim behind 'Namami Gange' has been to encourage activities that boost economy along with faith. And today, Central Government has announced a package for herbal cultivation along the banks of river Ganga: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

While the Ghats are lit up and clean, the Ganga is still far from nirmal & aviral (Namami Gange scheme slogan)

5:43 PM

The geniuses at Niti Aayog have done it again: Rahul Gandhi

5:33 PM

A challenge can be treated as an opportunity to improve the system: Sitharaman

In today's situation, if a challenge can be treated as an opportunity to improve the system and bring new technology for the benefit of farmers and people then why not to do it: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

5:21 PM

FM Sitharaman concludes presser

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her third booster for the economy announced 11 new measures to benefit farmers and agriculural sectors. While 8 measures focussed on financial support, three measures aimed tat bringing reforms in the law. 

5:19 PM

Essential Commoditiy Act to be amended

4:56 PM

FM proposes legal framework agriculture produce price and quality assurance

* Farmers lack enforceable standard mechanism for predictable prices of crops at the time of sowing

* Private Sector investment in provision of inputs and knowhow in agriculture sector hindered

* Facilitative legal framework will be created to enable farmers for engaging with processors, aggregators, large retailers, exporters

* Risk mitigation for farmers, assured returns and quality standardisation shall form integral part of framework