Farmers protest : Next Round of Talks Scheduled on Feb 18 

The third round of discussions between farmers’ organisations and the Centre ended without a resolution, with the government explaining why immediate legalisation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops is currently not feasible.

At the meeting, farmer leaders continued to push for MSP for all crops, while the government countered, stating that such a move is not viable at the moment. Both sides agreed to hold further talks on Sunday.

Union Minister Arjun Munda, part of the discussion, stated, “We have had a positive discussion on various issues. We will have a fourth round of talks next Sunday.”

After the meeting, farmer leaders reported that the government expressed the need for a “detailed discussion” on their demands.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, also present, described the talks as positive and said, “We have had the meeting in a positive environment on 13-14 demands. The next meeting will take place on Sunday.”

During the meeting, the government highlighted that farmers in Punjab and Haryana already benefit from MSP procurement for wheat, paddy, sugarcane, and cotton, which are among the highest in the country. However, farmers persisted in demanding MSP for all crops, assuring that their agitation will remain peaceful.

In a related development, at least 200 farmers staged a rail roko protest at Rajpura Railway Junction, affecting train services on the Punjab-Delhi railway line.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar reacted to the ongoing protest, stating, “While raising demands and traveling to Delhi is a right, the motives and methods of protest need scrutiny.”

Amidst the protest, Harmeet Singh Kadian of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Kadian) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) Punjab Chapter called for a nationwide strike on February 16, with additional protests planned at toll plazas across Punjab on February 15.