|
Attention of the Ministry of Finance has been drawn to reports published in a section of the Press quoting the Finance Minister as having made a statement that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce would be abolished. The Ministry of Finance takes strong objection to such baseless reports and categorically denies them. The Finance Minister has, on no occasion, made any statement about the withdrawal of MSP. The press release issued after the pre-budget meeting with representatives of agriculturists mentioned some of the suggestions made by the agriculturists. The Finance Minister did not express any views at all in the meeting, nor were views expressed on behalf of the government. Some farmers’ leaders have been quoted criticizing the Finance Minister’s so-called statement on the issue. The leaders have been wrongly informed. The leaders should have sought clarifications from the Ministry on these issues before going to the press.
The National Common Minimum Programme has clearly indicated that “Farmers all over the country will receive fair and remunerative prices. The UPA government will ensure that government agencies entrusted with the responsibility for procurement and marketing will pay special attention to farmers in poor and backward States and districts. The terms of trade will be maintained in favour of agriculture”. This government is fully committed to protect the interests of the farmers and there is no proposal of withdrawal of MSP under the consideration of the Ministry of Finance.
BSC/BY/DN-15/5
|
