OPCC criticises Centre for not announcing MSP of Kharif crops

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) today criticised the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre for still not announcing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of different Kharif crops.

"Now, the monsoon has arrived in the entire of Odisha as well as the country. But, no MSP has been announced for 24 major crops, as usually done by June first or second week," OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik said.

Patnaik also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making "false promises" to farmers, and said many Central schemes do not reach the ground level.

Stating that non-announcement of the MSP has put farmers in dilemma, Patnaik said it has led to lowering the sowing acreage by 10 per cent in comparison to last year.

"But, the Centre is yet to announce the MSP. On the other hand, the NITI Aayog has given three proposals to the government in which it has proposed that the fixing of MSP will be shifted to states. Also, some private organisations will be allowed to procure directly from farmers," he said in a statement.