Farmers in Madhya Pradesh Protest for Higher Soybean MSP Amid Rising Costs and Stagnant Yields
10 September 2024, Madhya Pradesh: Farmers in Madhya Pradesh have taken to the streets, demanding an increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for soybean to Rs 6000 per quintal. The protest comes as soybean farmers grapple with stagnant yields and rising input costs, leaving many struggling to make a decent profit from their crop. Currently, the MSP stands at Rs 4892 per quintal, but many farmers are forced to sell their produce at lower rates in local mandis, exacerbating their financial woes.
The Reality of Soybean Cultivation Costs
A recent survey conducted by Krishak Jagat, a national agriculture newspaper, delved into the expenses incurred by farmers in cultivating soybean. The survey included farmers from across Madhya Pradesh, revealing the harsh economic realities they face. The average total expense for cultivating one acre of soybean was found to be Rs 16,900, covering land preparation, seed treatment, fertilizers, agrochemicals, harvesting, and overheads.
However, with the average yield per acre at just 5-6 quintals, the financial returns are meager. For example, if a farmer produces 6 quintals of soybean per acre and sells it at the current MSP of Rs 4892, they would earn Rs 29,352. But many farmers report that they often sell at a lower mandi price of Rs 4200, reducing their earnings to Rs 25,200.
A Struggle for Profitability
Considering the cost of cultivation, farmers are left with a slim profit margin. At the mandi price of Rs 4200 per quintal, a farmer would make just Rs 8300 in profit after three months of work, equating to a mere Rs 2766 per month. This figure underscores the financial difficulties faced by soybean farmers, who are barely breaking even, let alone making a sustainable livelihood.
One of the major issues highlighted in the Krishak Jagat survey is the stagnant soybean yield. For years, scientists have been unable to significantly increase the average yield, which hovers around 5-6 quintals per acre. Farmers believe that if the yield were higher—around 8-10 quintals per acre—they could achieve a reasonable profit. But with the current low yield and high input costs, they are left with no choice but to demand a higher MSP.
The Call for Rs 6000 MSP
Farmers are now pushing for an MSP of Rs 6000 per quintal to cover their rising expenses and ensure a fair return on their investment. They argue that this increase is necessary to offset the stagnant yields and the rising cost of inputs, which include fertilizers, agrochemicals, and labor.
The government has not yet acknowledging the protest and is yet to respond to the demand for a higher MSP. However, the protests highlight the broader challenges facing soybean farmers across India, as they struggle with low productivity, fluctuating market prices, and the increasing cost of cultivation.
The Road Ahead
As the protests continue, farmers are hoping that their demand for a higher MSP will be met, enabling them to sustain their livelihood. The situation also points to the need for urgent intervention in agricultural research and development to boost soybean yields and improve the overall profitability of farming.
The current crisis reflects the deeper issues plaguing Indian agriculture, where small and medium farmers, in particular, face immense challenges. The demand for a higher MSP is just one step in addressing these challenges, but long-term solutions will require more robust policies, investment in research, and improved market access for farmers.
For now, the farmers in Madhya Pradesh remain firm in their demand, hoping that the government will hear their plea and take decisive action to improve their economic prospects.
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