Farmers' woes grow despite hike in MSP

New Delhi: While the minimum support price (MSP) set by the government has failed to benefit a large section of farmers, the crash in food prices as a result of excess supply has added to their woes.

Agri sector experts maintain that MSP benefits are very limited and hence most farmers are unable to recover their costs, let alone a fair price for their produce. A stagnant farm income poses a huge challenge to the Modi government's promise of doubling farmers' income by 2022.

"MSP is just a political announcement. Most farmers get Mandi (wholesale) price and not the MSP. In the market, transaction eventually takes place between private players. If a buyer has fixed a price, then farmers do not have any option. Only 7 per cent farmers get MSP benefits," said Vijay Sardana, an agri market expert.

Noted agriculture expert Ashok Gulati said that farmers have been in distress as they are unable to recover the cost of production. (IANS)

Also Read: Agriculture Minister's Call to Farmers to take Advantage of Schemes

Also Watch: Sivasagar Boy shines in Superstar Singer, enters top 10 | The Sentinel News | Assam News