Farmers’ Bill: Deadlock continues as Farmers stern on withdrawal of the Acts

New Delhi: The Fourth round of talks between the government and agitating  farmers’ representatives over the three farm acts held in New Delhi on Thursday endend inconclusive with the government not yielding to the demands of the a farmers. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal represented the Centre at the meeting.

However, briefing media after the meeting, the Agriculture Minister said that the government was open to discussing all issues of the farmers and is looking at their concerns. He said the meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere. He said farmers are concerned that the new laws will end  Agricultural Produce Market Committee, APMCs. He said government will contemplate about seeing that APMC is further strengthened and its usage increases. Mr. Tomar said, the government has given assurances that MSP will continue, and also said it was willing to look into farmers’ concerns regarding grievance redressal and the right to approach civil courts. The Minister said government has no ego and was discussing with farmers with an open mind.  Issues related to power subsidies and stubble burning were also discussed.

He said next round of talks are scheduled to be held on the 5th of this month at 2 PM. The Minister also appealed to farmers to end their agitation.

Today’s talks were attended by 40 representatives of 32 farmer unions. The third round of talks between the Centre and farmers remained inconclusive on Tuesday. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has emphasized that the Government is fully committed to the welfare of farmers and agriculture development is always on the top priority for Narendra Modi governm