Haryana Agri Minister suggests other states to procure crops on MSP to end farmers’ issues

State Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Fisheries Shyam Singh Rana on Thursday said that procuring crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) across all states could resolve farmers' longstanding issues.

“Previously, protests were due to the three farm laws, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdrew. Now, there is no issue left, except the demand for the MSP. In Haryana, 24 crops are purchased at the MSP, which is more than any other state. If every state government ensured MSP procurement for their farmers' crops, there would not be any problem,” said Rana in response to the farmers’ call to march to Delhi from December 6. He was here at Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, Uchani, in Karnal, to chair its first foundation day.

He announced that the Prime Minister would lay the foundation stone for the Horticulture University's main campus, which is to be built in Uchani in Karnal, on December 9 during a ceremony in Panipat. “PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of the university's main campus which will be constructed over 65 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs 400 crore. It is considered to be a major gift for Karnal and the state,” said Rana.

On the allegations against officials for acting against party interests during the Assembly elections, Rana said, “Complaints are being made by MLAs and ministers to CM Nayab Singh Saini. Investigations are conducted and appropriate actions are taken in such cases. Personally, I have contested eight elections and never filed a complaint. If someone is involved in internal sabotage, it does not affect a strong candidate.”

On being asked about irregularities in paddy procurement, Rana said, “Complaints are often received about discrepancies. Wherever such issues arise, strict action is taken.”

Earlier, while chairing the first foundation day event of the Horticulture University, the minister congratulated MHU Vice-Chancellor Suresh Malhotra on the university’s achievements and highlighted the importance of horticulture in sustainable agriculture. He said that traditional wheat and paddy farming was no longer profitable for farmers and was depleting natural resources, particularly water. He said that excessive reliance on these crops had led to health issues. Encouraging farmers to adopt millet and other nutritious grains, Rana said, “The Prime Minister is promoting millet cultivation to ensure healthier diet and sustainable farming.”

Rana expressed confidence that the MHU would emerge as a global model university. The minister said that the proposal to name the university after Maharana Pratap was his initiative, honouring the great personality of the country. “Maharana Pratap’s name is honoured not only in India but across the world,” he said.

During the event, students who excelled in various fields, including sports were honoured. Indri MLA Ram Kumar Kashyap praised the Vice-Chancellor for expediting pending university projects and expressed optimism about the MHU achieving global recognition.

Speaking on the university’s progress, Vice-Chancellor Suresh Malhotra highlighted the achievements, including international agreements with institutions in the United States, Japan, Australia and the UK. He said that the university was still in its early stages but was making rapid growth in education, research and extension services.