Govt invites farmers for talks on Wed, says it has 'open mind' on demands

The agriculture ministry has invited representatives of more than a dozen unions for the meeting at 2 p.m. in Vigyan Bhawan

The government has called farmers for a meeting on Wednesday in Delhi to discuss three new laws liberalising India's agriculture markets, saying it had an "open mind" about their demands.

The agriculture ministry invited more representatives of 40 unions for the meeting at 2pm in Vigyan Bhawan, new agencies reported. It said the government was "committed" to resolving the issues farmers had raised about the laws and minimum support price (MSP) for their produce.

Tens of thousands of farmers are camping out on highways near the capital New Delhi in protest at the laws implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government that they fear will dismantle regulated agricultural markets, threaten their livelihood and benefit large companies.

"The government is also committed to finding a logical solution on all relevant issues with a clear intention and an open mind," said Taking note of the unions'' offer to resume talks, said Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Aggarwal in a letter to the unions, according to PTI.

Modi last week accused Opposition parties of “pushing a political agenda” by spreading lies about the laws, Friday as he offered farmers talks "based on facts and logic".

"My dear farmers, please hear me clearly, you can sell your produce where you get the correct price. If you want to sell it at minimum support price, please do. You want to sell it to mandi, other states, to industries please do. No mandi will be closed; MSP will stay. Do not listen to the rumours," he said, referring to agricultural markets and the government's support price for farmers. 

PTI reported unions and government ministers met five times before but their talks were inconclusive.