Samyukt Kisan Morcha Rejects Rabi MSP, Demands Immediate Revision
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella organization of about 500 farmers' outfits, has rejected the recently announced minimum support price (MSP) for rabi crops. The MSP increase is seen as a mere token gesture, with the SKM stating that it will not even cover the cost of diesel. 'That is 25 paise a kilo,' the statement said.
The government's calculation of costs leaves out the rent on family-owned land and interest on capital, which the SKM argues should be included in the comprehensive cost of production (C2). The Swaminathan Commission had recommended that MSP must be C2+50%. Even using the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices' own data, the wheat margin is 43%, not 106% as claimed by the government.
The SKM has demanded a legally guaranteed MSP at C2+50% on an honestly calculated cost. The organization has called for immediate revision of prices, with wheat to be no less than ₹3,418 per quintal, and other crops similarly priced.