'The Centre And States Should Sit Together To Discuss Issues'

States have to take more onus in improving the lot of farmers, says BJP’s Kisan Mor­ cha president Virendra Singh Mast, MP, in an interview with Lola Nayar. Excerpts:

Why has the high growth in cereal and horticulture production not translated into better price for farmers? 

This year’s cereal production was high with the weather being favourable. The government also tried to ensure that farmers got reasonably remunerative price. In Uttar Pradesh, for instance, the state government procured all the wheat the farmers wanted to sell. The system of fixing a remunerative price or MSP for food grains has been in place for long. The new government in UP enhanced the wheat MSP to Rs 1,635 by providing transportation charges to farmers. In horticulture too, weather conditions helped boost the production. To help farmers get fair remuneration, states would have to be more proactive in the case of horticulture produces like fruits and vegetables, as many of them have a shelf life of just a couple of days. In this regard, I have proposed that the government should identify organisations like the army, the police force, government run canteens and co-operative societies, where there is a ready and substantial demand for such produces. It would help farmers monetise their products without getting spoilt. The state governments and pertinent departments would have to take a lead in this direction.