BKU (Charuni) Raises Alarm Over Sunflower MSP Discrepancy in Haryana
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) has brought to light a sharp discrepancy in the minimum support price (MSP) for sunflower ahead of the upcoming procurement season, asserting that this could lead to significant financial losses for farmers in the region. This issue has sparked concerns about fairness and administrative oversight in agricultural policies.
Details of the MSP Discrepancy
According to Rakesh Kumar Bains, the media in-charge for BKU (Charuni), the Central government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, officially set the MSP for sunflower at Rs 7,721 per quintal in a notification issued on June 2, 2025. However, in a conflicting move, Haryana's procurement agency, HAFED, established its purchase price at Rs 6,540 per quintal in a policy dated March 19, 2026. This results in a gap of Rs 1,181 per quintal, which the union claims will directly impact farmers' incomes.
Procurement Window and Farmer Concerns
The union has also criticized the procurement schedule, which is slated to run from June 1 to June 30, deeming it too short for effective sales. They advocate for an extension to at least two months to ensure that all farmers have adequate opportunity to sell their produce without facing rushed decisions or market pressures.
Potential Consequences and Union Demands
Bains emphasized that this price gap could trigger widespread resentment among farmers across Haryana, labeling the HAFED policy as anti-farmer. The BKU (Charuni) has issued a stern warning, indicating that protests may ensue if the discrepancy is not promptly addressed. To escalate the matter, the union plans to raise this issue in a meeting with the Haryana Chief Minister scheduled for April 2, 2026.
Allegations of Administrative Negligence
In his statements, Bains pointed out that officials should be fully aware of the MSP declared by the Centre, suggesting that the discrepancy stems from administrative negligence. This oversight, according to the union, undermines the support mechanisms intended to protect farmers' livelihoods and calls for immediate corrective actions to align state policies with national directives.
