Punjab farmers have been demanding a reasonable minimum support price (MSP) for their wheat and paddy crops from the central government. Their demand is based on the formula proposed by agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan in 2006. The formula, known as the C2+50% formula, recommends that the MSP should be at least 50% above the weighted average cost of production. It includes factors like the input cost of capital and the rent on the land to give farmers a 50% return on their investment.
The farmers claim that the government uses its own formula to calculate the MSP, which significantly lowers the price. They believe that the C2+50% formula should be followed to ensure farmers receive fair returns for their hard work. For the farmers, especially in Punjab, invoking the Swaminathan formula is an integral part of their agitation for MSP.
MS Swaminathan, a renowned agricultural scientist, headed the national commission on farmers and submitted five reports on the cause of farmer distress and the rise in farmer suicides. The final report, submitted on October 4, 2006, emphasized the need for a holistic national policy to address these issues.
During the recent protests against the three contentious farm laws, the Swaminathan recommendations, including the MSP formula, played a significant role. Farmer organizations have expressed that implementing the Swaminathan formula would be a fitting tribute to the contributions of MS Swaminathan and bring much-needed relief to the agricultural community.
Farmers and farmer leaders have praised MS Swaminathan for his unparalleled contribution to agriculture. They recall his dedication to the welfare of farmers and his role in launching the Green Revolution in Punjab. Swaminathan revealed that then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had sought his expertise and that of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) director in the 1960s to make India self-sufficient in foodgrains. The climatic conditions in Punjab were identified as favorable, leading to the Green Revolution and transforming India’s food production.
Implementing the Swaminathan formula for calculating MSP would give farmers the equitable returns they deserve and honor the legacy of the esteemed agricultural scientist. It is essential for the government to listen to the demands of Punjab farmers and address the issue of MSP to support the livelihoods of those who work tirelessly to feed the nation.
