The 'Dilli Chalo' protest march was resumed at 11 am on Wednesday, as farmer unions continued to demand the inclusion of oil seeds and Bajra under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime. This decision follows the Centre's recent proposal guaranteeing MSP on pulses, maize, and cotton. Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni warned that if the central government doesn't accede to their demands by February 21, the agitation in Haryana will intensify.

Charuni stressed the importance of oilseeds and Bajra in procurement, alongside the crops mentioned in the government's proposal. He highlighted the plight of farmers facing lower market prices than the MSP, citing the example of mustard currently selling Rs 2,000 below the MSP.

Importance of Pulses and India’s Production

A significant portion of India's pulse production is concentrated in a few states. For instance, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand account for 95% of masur production, while Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Jharkhand contribute 80% of arhar production. Despite government initiatives to boost pulse production, India remains dependent on imports to meet domestic demand.

Crop Diversification in Punjab

Punjab's heavy reliance on rice and wheat cultivation poses environmental challenges, particularly concerning water consumption. With over 80% of its geographical area under cultivation, predominantly for rice and wheat, the state faces groundwater depletion and potential desertification due to paddy cultivation's high water requirement.

Efforts to diversify cropping patterns have seen limited success. While the area under pulses has increased, cotton and maize cultivation have witnessed declines. This shift is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices and water conservation in Punjab.

Top Points on Farmers' Protest

Leaders of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha emphasize the need for broader benefits to farmers, including those shifting from rice to pulses. They advocate reallocating funds used for importing palm oil towards supporting domestic oilseed cultivation.

Earlier discussions between farmer representatives and Union Minister Piyush Goyal yielded positive outcomes, but the rejection of the recent proposal indicates ongoing discontent among farmers.

In conclusion, the farmers' demands for MSP inclusion of oilseeds and Bajra highlight the need for comprehensive agricultural policies that promote sustainability and equitable benefits for farmers across the country.