Badal for taking states into confidence before fixing crop MSP

"It is unfortunate that though the farmers produce foodgrains through hard work and labour despite vagaries of the weather, they hardly have any say in MSP fixation," he told reporters here.

The Chief Minister said it was the need of hour to consult states before fixing MSP so that the interests of the farmers could be safeguarded.

He lamented that it was unfortunate that the price of these valuable grains was fixed by the officials of the Union government "who were not even aware of the harsh situations faced by farmers at the ground level".

Badal said the policy of UPA government to increase the cost of the agricultural inputs along with exorbitant hike in the prices of petroleum products besides fixing the prices of food products in non-remunerative manner is adding to the woes of the farming community.

"Due to the Union government's policy of gross discrimination and apathy towards agriculture, the farming community in general and that of the state in particular is on the brink of economic disaster," he said.

Replying to a question, he said that keeping in view the paddy season ahead the state government has made all the arrangements for providing regular power supply to the people.

Commenting on the recent reduction in the prices of petrol, the Chief Minister said, "the partial rollback in petrol prices by the UPA government has once again unveiled its anti-people face."

Badal also addressed a religious congregation at the dera of Sant Prem Singh Muralewale at village Begowal.