Cong, BJP spar over MSP for paddy

The Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party are at loggerheads over the procurement of paddy from farmers at minimum support price (MSP). Congress rode to a massive victory in the recent state assembly election after it promised an MSP of Rs 2,500 per quintal and agricultural loan waiver.

Congress leaders at a press conference demanded that the Central government hike the MSP of paddy to Rs 2,500 or bear the difference amount. After meeting the state's requirement of PDS rice, the remaining paddy/rice should be lifted by the central pool.

Congress leaders said, “Chhattisgarh is the first state to provide 50 % returns to farmers. The Centre should follow suit and assist the state.”

BJP Farmers’ Cell former state president and spokesperson Sandeep Sharma said, “Congress is indulging in politics. It is BJP-led Centre which provided 50 % input value benefit to farmers.”

“During the elections, Congress election manifesto president T S Singhdeo had promised Rs 2,500 a quintal MSP from state resources. Now the Bhupesh Baghel led government is squarely blaming the central government,” Sharma said.