Farmers Revolt: SKM Rejects Rabi MSP Hike, Calls It '25 Paise a Kilo' Insult

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a prominent coalition of Indian farmers' unions, has formally rejected the government's revised rabi Minimum Support Price (MSP), announced this week, demanding a significant revision. The rejection centers on the ₹25 per quintal increase in the MSP for wheat, which the SKM argues is grossly inadequate to cover rising input costs.

In a statement, the SKM criticized the government's characterization of the hike as a '106% profit', pointing out that the increase translates to merely 25 paise per kilogram. 'It will not buy even a third of a litre of diesel,' the statement said, highlighting the disconnect between the government's claims and the economic reality faced by farmers. The SKM has long demanded a legal guarantee for MSP and higher procurement prices to ensure viable incomes.

The rejection signals a potential escalation of farmer protests, reminiscent of the year-long agitation against the now-repealed farm laws. With the government yet to respond to the SKM's demands, the standoff could intensify political pressure and disrupt agricultural markets. The SKM's stance may also galvanize other farmer groups, setting the stage for broader unrest ahead of the upcoming harvest season.