CHANDIGARH: In a shocking revelation that highlights the deepening agricultural crisis in Haryana, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has exposed how farmers across the state are being compelled to sell their hard-earned crops at devastatingly low prices, far below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The Plight of Haryana's Annadata
During a press conference that resonated with farmer concerns, Hooda painted a grim picture of the current agricultural scenario. "Our farmers, who feed the nation, are being forced to become beggars," the senior Congress leader stated emotionally. "The very people we call 'Annadata' are selling their crops at throwaway prices while the government remains a mute spectator."
Government Failure and Policy Breakdown
The opposition leader didn't mince words when criticizing the current BJP-led state government. He highlighted several critical failures:
- Complete breakdown of procurement systems
- Failure to ensure MSP for various crops
- Lack of adequate government purchase centers
- Administrative apathy toward farmer welfare
"When we were in power," Hooda recalled, "we ensured that farmers received fair prices for their produce. Today, the situation has deteriorated to a point where farming is no longer sustainable."
Ground Reality: Farmers Speak Out
The crisis isn't just political rhetoric. Farmers from across Haryana have reported selling their wheat and other crops at prices 20-30% below the official MSP. Many have had to resort to distress sales to private traders due to the unavailability of government procurement channels.
"We invested thousands in seeds, fertilizers, and labor, only to recover barely half of our costs," shared a distressed farmer from Karnal district, echoing the sentiment of thousands across the state.
Economic Implications
The throwaway prices have severe consequences:
- Mounting debt for farming families
- Reduced capacity to invest in next season's crops
- Increasing migration from rural to urban areas
- Mental health crisis among the farming community
Way Forward: Hooda's Demands
The former CM outlined an urgent action plan that the government must implement:
- Immediate intervention to ensure MSP for all crops
- Establishment of more procurement centers
- Transparent and efficient purchase mechanisms
- Financial support for distressed farming families
The clock is ticking for Haryana's agricultural sector, and without immediate government intervention, the state risks witnessing an unprecedented agrarian crisis that could have long-lasting effects on its economy and food security.
