Bajra below MSP? Haryana will pay the gap, says minister Rana

Chandigarh. Haryana farmers who sell bajra below the minimum support price (MSP) will be paid the difference by the state, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana said while touring grain markets in Palwal district.

If bajra sells above MSP in the open market, farmers keep the higher price, he said. If the rate falls below MSP, the gap will be covered under the Bhavantar scheme.

Rana visited the Hathin, Hodal, Hassanpur and Palwal mandis to check arrangements for the ongoing procurement season. He also met officials and told them to finish procurement smoothly, transparently and on time.

What did the minister tell officials?

Rana said farmers must face no trouble at any step, from getting a gate pass and selling their crop to weighing, lifting and payment. “No inconvenience will be allowed at the mandis,” he said, and asked all departments involved to work together.

Will every grain be bought at MSP?

The minister said the government is committed to buying every grain of farmers’ produce at MSP. He said good mandi facilities, farmers’ dignity and their economic interests are the government’s top priorities.

What about demands at Hathin and Palwal mandis?

At each mandi, Rana reviewed crop arrivals, lifting, farmers’ complaints and demands for development works. He told officials to act on the issues raised and assured that demands about the Hathin and Palwal grain markets would be examined seriously and resolved.

He also discussed adding more facilities at the mandis. He asked that demands for development works be given in writing so action can be taken quickly.

Hathin MLA Mohammad Israil, SDM Hari Ram, Palwal SDM Bhupender Singh, Palwal Market Committee chairman Pankaj Virmani, Deputy Director of Agriculture Dr Jagir, chairman Jagwinder Singh and representatives of various associations were present.