Farmers’ welfare has taken center stage in the upcoming elections, with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi pledging to pay ₹7,000 per quintal for soybean crops if his party comes to power. As part of this promise, a bonus would be provided to bridge the gap between the existing minimum support price (MSP) and the assured rate. Gandhi also proposed the formation of a committee to establish fair prices for onions and set a new MSP for cotton, addressing the ongoing demands of farmers for better pricing and support for these crops. These promises are being positioned as key components of Congress’s strategy to attract the farming community.
BJP’s Plans
The BJP, through its manifesto, has reaffirmed its promise of ₹6,000 per quintal for soybean, along with a dedicated supply chain system to boost soybean production and processing. During a rally in Vidarbha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the party’s commitment to implementing this MSP if re-elected. However, Congress has criticized the BJP for its track record on MSP, pointing out that similar promises made in the last three elections were not fulfilled, leaving farmers to sell their soybean crops at rates as low as ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per quintal. These criticisms have amplified the focus on the struggles faced by farmers under the current system.
Welfare Schemes
Both Congress and the BJP have intensified their efforts to win over voters with welfare schemes targeted at key demographics. Congress has pledged ₹3,000 per month for women under the Mahalaxmi Yojana, while the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has promised to increase benefits under the Ladki Bahin Scheme from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100 per month. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde defended his government’s support for farmers, highlighting the ₹15,000 crore assistance provided over the past two years. Shinde also announced initiatives such as loan waivers, the expansion of soybean procurement centres, and the introduction of the Bhavantar scheme, which compensates farmers for losses after MSP payments. With both parties emphasizing farmers’ welfare, agricultural policies have emerged as a pivotal theme in their campaigns, reflecting the importance of the farming community in shaping the upcoming elections.
Share
Tweet
