Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has announced that the next round of talks with the protesting farmer leaders will take place on February 22, following a positive and cordial meeting held between the central team and farmers’ representatives in Chandigarh on Friday. The announcement comes after several months of protests by farmers, particularly around the demand for a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) of crops.

Joshi stated that the initial meeting, which lasted over two-and-a-half hours, was productive and allowed both sides to present their demands. The Minister revealed that the government shared the steps taken by the PM Modi-led administration to benefit the farming community. On the other hand, the farmer leaders emphasized their demands, with a focus on securing a legal guarantee for MSP.

The meeting was attended by farmer representatives from the two major forums leading the protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points. Also present were Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, and other state government representatives. According to Joshi, the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere, marking a positive development after the long-running protests.

During the discussions, Joshi assured that the government was committed to the welfare of farmers and highlighted the steps taken by the government under Modi’s leadership, which include various measures aimed at supporting the farming community.

Farmer leaders, however, remained firm on their demands, particularly the legal assurance of MSP, and presented their arguments based on facts, to which the central delegation did not have conclusive answers. According to Jagjit Singh Dallewal, one of the farmer leaders, the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss their concerns in detail, but the government still needs to address the fundamental issue of legal MSP guarantees.

As the discussions are set to continue, Joshi confirmed that the next round of talks will take place on February 22 under the leadership of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The central government seems to be open to further dialogue, but the key issue of MSP remains unresolved. Both sides will aim to find a resolution, particularly concerning the legal framework for MSP.

This meeting comes after a year-long protest by farmers demanding various reforms, including the legal guarantee of MSP, which is viewed as crucial for ensuring fair prices for crops and addressing farmer distress across the country. With tensions still high, both the government and farmer leaders are preparing for another round of talks, hoping to find common ground and bring an end to the ongoing protests.

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