New Delhi: Farmers’ protests led by Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are calling for the implementation of a revised Minimum Support Price (MSP) based on the recommendations of the MS Swaminathan Committee. This committee, formed in 2004 under the leadership of renowned agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan, aimed to recommend agricultural reforms for the country.
The Crux of the Dispute:
The key demand revolves around the calculation of MSP, crucial for ensuring farmers’ income stability. The Swaminathan Committee report suggested setting MSP at 50% above the weighted average cost of production (C2), which includes actual costs, imputed rent for owned land, and imputed interest on owned capital.
However, the government’s current MSP formula (A2 + FL) only considers the average cost of production and imputed family labor, excluding owned land rent and capital cost. This gap between the recommended and implemented formula forms the core of the farmers’ grievance.
Historical Context:
While the NDA government implemented some Swaminathan Committee recommendations in 2019, the MSP formula remained a critical point of contention. Farmers feel the current formula underestimates their production costs and doesn’t provide a fair return on their investments.
Farmers’ Appeal:
Protestors demand replacing the existing MSP formula with the Swaminathan Committee’s original recommendations. They advocate for a policy that acknowledges the human aspects of agriculture, not just relying solely on statistical data. Dr. Swaminathan himself emphasizes the need for such a shift, stressing the importance of considering farmers’ well-being in policy decisions.
Looking Ahead:
The ongoing protests highlight the continued struggle for fair compensation for India’s farmers. As negotiations progress, finding a solution that incorporates the Swaminathan Committee’s recommendations and addresses the concerns of the farming community remains crucial for ensuring agricultural sustainability and farmer livelihoods.
