Farmers Protest: Amidst the escalating conflict between the government and protesting farmers, the Centre extended an invitation on Wednesday for a fifth round of discussions. The topics on the table include minimum support price (MSP), crop diversification, and the stubble issue. This initiative follows the unsuccessful completion of four rounds of talks, specifically addressing concerns about MSP guarantees for crops.

Union Minister Arjun Munda conveyed the government’s willingness to address all issues, such as MSP, crop diversification, stubble problems, and FIRs, in the upcoming fifth round of discussions. Making the announcement on social media platform X, he reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and extended another invitation to farmer leaders for constructive dialogue.

सरकार चौथे दौर के बाद पांचवें दौर में सभी मुद्दे जैसे की MSP की माँग, crop diversification, पराली का विषय, FIR पर बातचीत के लिए तैयार है।मैं दोबारा किसान नेताओं को चर्चा के लिए आमंत्रित करता हूँ। हमें शांति बनाये रखना जरूरी है।@AHindinews@DDNewsHindi@DDKisanChannel

— Arjun Munda (@MundaArjun) February 21, 2024

Earlier in the day, Munda emphasized that dialogue stands as the sole pathway to finding a resolution. He expressed the government’s openness to constructive opinions and reiterated their commitment to positive actions.

Addressing the rejection of the Government’s proposal on MSP by farmer leaders, Arjun Munda stated, “We are committed to doing good, and there can be various opinions on how to achieve that goal. We always welcome constructive opinions. However, the crucial aspect is finding a fruitful way for those opinions to be effective, and the only avenue for that is through meaningful conversation. It is through dialogue that a viable solution will undoubtedly emerge.”

#WATCH | On farmer leaders rejecting the Government's proposal over MSP, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda says, "We want to do good and several opinions can be given for doing so, as we always welcome good opinions… But to find a way on how that opinion will be fruitful,… pic.twitter.com/HootxhLeVq

— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2024

In the interim, the Delhi Police has heightened security measures at the Tikri, Singhu, and Ghazipur border points, conducting mock drills on Tuesday. Officials from the Delhi Police reported that security personnel were placed on high alert at the three border points to ensure vigilance.

The most recent round of discussions between farmers and the government occurred on Sunday, during which a ministerial panel proposed the procurement of five crops—moong dal, urad dal, tur dal, maize, and cotton—at MSP for a duration of five years through central agencies.

However, the government’s proposal was formally declined by the farmers, with Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a leader from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), stating on Tuesday that it did not align with the farmers’ interests.