BHOPAL : Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan may soon meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Central government’s decision of not giving bonus on minimum support price (MSP) to farmers on procurement of crops.
Chauhan and Chattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh may together urge Modi to get the Centre withdraw its decision. Chauhan and Singh have sought an appointment from Modi for a meeting in this regard.
In Madhya Pradesh, Rs 150 as bonus on wheat has been given while bonus is also being given on corn and paddy. The bonus has led to increase in production of wheat in the state and it is also raising its quantity of procurement. The state government is concerned as stopping bonus may develop resentment in farmers.
Alternative arrangements are also being mulled, if Centre refuses to accept state’s demand.
It is also under consideration that farmers be given bonus on wheat procurement on production of crop. The government is also considering giving bonus in the form of subsidy to the farmers.
Contemplation is on to promote production of crops of pulses and oil seeds. It is also under consideration to hand over the work of giving bonus during procurement from department of food and civil supplies to agriculture department.
A senior minister maintains the issue of bonus would be put up strongly before the Centre. He said in all conditions, farmers would get bonus.