MP Congress to gherao collectorates on September 20 for MSP hike

On September 20, the Congress party plans to stage protests across Madhya Pradesh, demanding an increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for various agricultural products. The protests will involve encircling the offices of collectors in all 55 districts at noon, as part of the 'Kisan Nyay Yatra'. PCC Chief Jitu Patwari emphasized the distress faced by farmers, criticizing the government for failing to fulfill its promises regarding MSP. He highlighted the need for the state to procure soybean at Rs 6,000 per quintal, wheat at Rs 2,700, and paddy at Rs 3,100. Patwari pointed out the disparity between the government's claims of doubling farmers' income and the reality reflected in statistical reports. He noted that the average daily income of farmers is only Rs 27, with many burdened by debts averaging Rs 74,000. The rising costs of production, attributed to the Goods and Services Tax on agricultural inputs, have further exacerbated the situation for farmers over the past decade. The Congress leader also criticized the ruling BJP for neglecting its manifesto promises regarding MSP after retaining power in the last assembly elections. He referenced a statement made by former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, now Union Agriculture Minister, who claimed that farmers' incomes had doubled, which contradicts findings from a parliamentary committee report. The upcoming protests aim to draw attention to the plight of farmers and push for a legal guarantee for MSP, as advocated by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The party seeks to hold the government accountable for its commitments and address the ongoing agricultural crisis in the state.