New Delhi— The standoff between protesting farmers and the government continues as farmers rejected the Centre’s proposal to buy five crops at MSP over five years, deeming it inadequate. Following this, the farmers remain steadfast in their resolve, with the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march scheduled for February 21.

After extensive discussions within their organisations, farmer leaders rejected the government’s offer, terming it as unsatisfactory. “After the discussion of both forums, it has been decided that if you analyse, there is nothing in the government’s proposal…This is not in favor of farmers. We reject it,” asserted farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

The rejection followed a high-level meeting chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, on Sunday. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also participated in the discussions.

The government put forth a five-year plan to purchase pulses, maize, and cotton crops from farmers at the MSP. 

“Cooperative societies like the NCCF and Nafed will contract with farmers who grow tur dal, urad dal, masoor dal, or maize to buy their crop at MSP for the next five years,” said Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal post-meeting.

However, despite the government’s assurances, the breakdown in talks may lead to a potential confrontation between the farmers and the police at Shambhu border. Since February 13, farmers have been camping at the Shambhu border near Ambala, facing resistance from Haryana Police, which has employed tear gas shells and moderate force to deter their movement.

Additionally, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, though not actively participating in the on-ground protest currently, also denounced the government’s proposal, accusing it of attempting to divert and dilute the farmers’ demands. “The ministers are not ready to clarify whether the MSP they proposed is based on A2+FL +50% or C2+50%. There is no transparency in the discussion, though discussions have taken place four times. This is against the democratic culture established by SKM during the 2020-21 historic Farmers’ Struggle at Delhi Borders,” the release from Samyukta Kisan Morcha stated.