"Farmers distress has not gone as even though prices were being increased, the procurement at MSP rate was not happening in states," he said.He said the government wants to make sure that states act in the interest of farmers. "We also started in a small way to include crops like pulses, oilseed, cotton last year under MSP, but could not buy from all the produce coming in the country. Singh said the BJP had promised this in its election manifesto. "Our government doesn't only want to announce MSP, but also ensure that farmers get it. Not every farmer got MSP for the crop sold, but over the past few years we have procured a lot of pulses, oilseed and cotton to help farmers in distress," he said.

Source: Economic Times February 02, 2018 17:48 UTC