Government working out higher MSP, says PM Narendra Modi

Attacking the Opposition for misleading farmers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his government was working with state governments to raise the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

At the three-day Krishi Unnati Mela 2018 here, Modi said confusion was being created about the decision to fix MSP for crops at least 1.5 times the production cost and assured farmers that all major costs incurred will be included while declaring the support price.

The PM indicated that the input cost will take into account expenses on hired and family labour, machinery, livestock, seeds, fertiliser, irrigation and power costs, land revenue, interest on working capital, etc. He also urged farmers "to adopt new technologies in agriculture and use modern farm techniques so as to achieve the goal of doubling their income by 2022, when the country celebrates 75 years of its freedom."

Calling farmers and scientists pillars of New India, he said they helped the country see record foodgrain production and ahead of others in milk, fruit and vegetable production. The PM presented Krishi Karman awards to various states for impressive production of various commodities.

Assurance

Addressing farmers, PM said confusion was being created about the decision to fix MSP for crops at least 1.5 times the production cost and assured that all major costs incurred will be included while declaring the support price;