Rana urges Punjab to follow Haryana on MSP procurement

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Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana said frequent protests hinder development, driving industries away and causing economic setbacks. “Everyone has the right to protest and raise their voice. However, since the protesting farmers were from Punjab and had been sitting there for a long time, Punjab has suffered significant economic losses,” Rana said while addressing the media.

He was responding to questions regarding the removal of farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, where they had been camping for over a year to press demands, including a legal guarantee for the procurement of all crops at the minimum support price (MSP).

Speaking at the Vegetable Excellence Centre in Gharaunda, where he inaugurated the 11th Mega Vegetable Expo, Rana praised Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for declaring procurement of 24 crops on MSP. “The Haryana Government is already purchasing 24 crops on MSP. The Punjab Government should have taken similar steps earlier,” he said.

Addressing other issues, Rana highlighted the state’s efforts to curb fraudulent travel agents who illegally send youth abroad through the ‘donkey route.’ “Haryana is introducing a law with provisions for imprisonment against those involved in illegal migration,” he said.

The minister also emphasised stricter regulations against the sale of spurious seeds and pesticides, ensuring penalties and imprisonment for offenders. “A strict law will soon be implemented to protect farmers from such malpractices,” he added.