Modi government is even ready to sacrifice Indian agriculture for its own self-interest : Rahul Gandhi

The former Congress president also said that he will continue to raise his voice inside and outside Parliament to protect farmers' rights and MSP (Minimum Support Price).Sharing a copy of his unstarred question and the government's response on Facebook, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "In Lok Sabha, I directly asked the government why the promise of legal MSP at 'C2+50 percent' made to farmers in 2021 has not been implemented yet? Instead of answering, the government merely repeated its old MSP policy."

He said the government also admitted that it pressured states to end MSP bonuses and justified it without any reason in the name of "national priorities."

The Leader of Opposition said, "Another serious question is that in the trade agreement with America, there is talk of reducing 'non-trade barriers.' Does this mean weakening MSP and government procurement? The government is avoiding even this question."

Rahul Gandhi said, "We will continue to raise our voice inside and outside Parliament to protect farmers' rights and MSP."Rae Bareli Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi had posed a written question on March 10 asking whether the government had considered implementing a legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) at the rate of "C2+50 percent" for all crops, as promised to protesting farmers in 2021.

In response, Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Chaudhary said, "Every year, the government fixes Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 22 notified agricultural crops across the country based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), after considering suggestions from state governments and concerned central ministries/departments."

The minister also said that in the Union Budget 2018-19, a pre-determined principle was announced to keep MSP at least one and a half times the cost of production.

He added, "Accordingly, since 2018-19, the government has increased MSP for all notified kharif, rabi, and other commercial crops with a minimum return of 50 percent over the average cost of production, benefiting farmers across the country."