Punjab Vidhan Sabha today passed a resolution recommending the state government to approach the Centre for implementing the recommendations of Swaminathan Commission report, which suggested 50 per cent profit over and above the input cost to farmers.
On the last day of the Budget session, the resolution was moved by Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Madan Mohan Mittal, saying, "This House strongly recommends to the state government to approach the Central Government to implement the recommendations of Dr Swaminathan Committee concerning the farmers."
After the resolution was moved, Congress Legislature Party leader Sunil Jakhar pressed for implementing the report of Swaminathan Commission while describing farming as "unviable" because of lack of non-remunerative prices.
"Farming is now no more viable and farmers are not finding it profitable," Jakhar said while accusing BJP-led Centre of not implementing the Swaminathan Commission report despite having promised the same to voters before the elections.
Citing example of cotton, basmati, guar prices dropping by almost 25-30 per cent this season as compared to last season, he pointed out that farmers have been suffering because of "lesser" prices being fetched for their crops which has added to their woes.
"Maize crop which was promoted by the state government could fetch only Rs 850-900 per quintal as against MSP of Rs 1,350 per quintal," he said.
