Chandigarh, Sep 11 (UNI) Hundreds of farmers, under the leadership of Haryana BJP President Om Prakash Dhankar, reached the City Beautiful on Saturday to express gratitude to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for announcing the highest Minimum Support Price (MSP) of sugarcane in the country and the decision of the Centre to enhance the MSP of six Rabi crops.
Delighted with the successive steps taken by the government in the interest of agriculture, the farmers honoured the Chief Minister by presenting bouquets made from sugarcane plants and millets. The farmers also offered sweets to Mr Khattar and Mr Dhankar. Many farmers expressed gratitude by offering ‘Siropa’ (robe of honour) and turban to the Chief Minister for increasing the MSP even before the sowing of Rabi crops.
Overwhelmed with the positive response and respect rendered by the farmers, Mr Khattar said that the State had increased the price of sugarcane earlier as well as this time also and will increase it again next year. He said he will ensure that farmers do not face any loss.
Referring to the Punjab Government, the Chief Minister said that the neighbouring State has increased the price of sugarcane after four years as the State elections were approaching, whereas the Haryana Government has been increasing the price of sugarcane continually and it is not because of any State Elections. Haryana is the first State in the country where the highest price of sugarcane is being given, he pointed out.
This year also, the Haryana Government has increased the price of sugarcane by Rs 12 per quintal, now the effective price has been increased from Rs 350 to Rs 362. This is not only the highest MSP in the country, but it is also Rs 2 more than the neighbouring State of Punjab, where elections are nearing, he said.
