The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has strongly criticized the central government's announcement of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Kharif crops, labeling it a '12-year betrayal' and calling for nationwide protests. The farmers' body asserted that the MSP rates declared by the Centre are substantially lower than what farmers would receive under the Swaminathan formula, which is based on the cost of production plus 50% profit margin.
SKM's Allegations Against the Centre
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the SKM accused the government of being 'anti-farmer' and ignoring the long-standing demands of the farming community. The organization claimed that the announced MSPs are not only inadequate but also fail to cover the rising input costs, leaving farmers in a precarious financial situation. The SKM has been a prominent voice in the farmers' movement, particularly after the 2020-2021 protests against the now-repealed farm laws.
Comparison with Swaminathan Formula
The Swaminathan formula, recommended by the National Commission on Farmers headed by M.S. Swaminathan, suggests that MSP should be set at 50% above the comprehensive cost of production (C2 cost). However, the SKM alleges that the current MSPs are often lower than even the A2+FL cost (actual paid-out costs plus imputed value of family labor), let alone the C2 cost. The farmers' body has demanded immediate revision of MSPs in line with the Swaminathan formula to ensure fair remuneration.
Call for Nationwide Protests
To press their demands, the SKM has announced a series of protests across the country. The farmers' union plans to organize rallies, marches, and sit-ins in major agricultural states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The SKM has also urged other farmer organizations and civil society groups to join the agitation. The protests are expected to escalate if the government does not respond positively to their demands.
Government's Response
The central government has defended its MSP announcement, stating that it has increased the MSP for all Kharif crops and that the rates are based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). Officials have argued that the MSPs are designed to ensure farmers get at least a 50% profit margin over the cost of production, as per the government's own formula. However, farmer groups remain unconvinced, pointing to discrepancies in cost calculations.
The SKM's strong reaction underscores the ongoing tension between the farming community and the government over agricultural pricing policies. With the protest call, the SKM aims to mobilize farmers nationwide to demand a fair deal, setting the stage for a potential confrontation in the coming weeks.
