Farmers Movement Archive

Hopeful of positive outcome of Jan 4 meeting: Khattar

Chandigarh: Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said he was hopeful of a positive outcome of the January 4, 2021 meeting between farmers protesting against agri laws and Union government. “I am happy that the last meeting was productive,” he added. The CM, who was interacting with media persons, also urged the farmers to return to their homes in this severe cold. “We have always been sympathetic towards farmers. A lot of effort is being made to resolve the issue through mutual dialogue,” he said and alleged that the opposition was misleading the farmers over the newly introduced farm laws for their own vested interests. Khattar claimed the kind of work and farmers’ welfare schemes launched by Haryana in the last six years have not been there in any other state. Be it procurement of millet, maize, groundnut or moong at MSP or implementation of Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana to ensure that farmers get fair price for their produce, his government had taken several steps to ensure their welfare. In Haryana, millet is procurement at Rs 2,150 per quintal, whereas in Rajasthan the rate is Rs 1,200-1,300 per quintal. Defending the new farm laws, the CM said he would quit politics if MSP is abolished in Haryana. To a question regarding millet smuggling in the state, he said the deputy commissioners have already been directed to keep a and take strict action against those involved in such illegal activities. Responding to a question on water conservation, he said his government has launched ‘Mera Pani Meri Virasat Yojana’ under which around 80,000 acre land has been verified for crop diversification till now. “I am happy that farmers have adopted the crop diversification scheme. At the time of sowing, farmers were given Rs 2,000 each, while Rs 5,000 is being given after verification,” he added.

The Times of India

2021-01-01

Chandigarh