FRESH PUSH FOR LAW TO GUARANTEE CROP SUPPORT PRICES

FARMERS' organisations have been lobbying to bring in guaranteed minimum support prices (MSPs) through private member bills.

- 

This strategy has gained traction among some MPs keen on keeping a hold on the rural vote. The 'non-political' breakaway of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha, who have substantial support in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, have parleyed with several non-NDA MPs to move the needle during the upcoming budget session of parliament. A legislative guarantee for MSPs for 23 crops was the main demand raised at the farmers' agitation earlier this year. A heavy-handed pushback from the administration forced the farmers to retreat. But with a new Lok Sabha elected with substantial opposition representation, they are hoping to resurrect their demand.