Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel said here on Thursday that the state government has fulfilled all farmers' demands, notwithstanding a farmer's self-immolation seeking better minimum support price (MSP) for cotton crops.
"That was a tragic incident (farmer's
self-immolation). We all are aggrieved by the incident. I will pray to God to give strength to his family members. Besides, the state government has fulfilled all their demands," Patel told reporters at Modasa town in Ahmedabad district today.
When asked about reviewing MSP of cotton by the Gujarat state government, Patel said that a committee has been formed under the chairmanship of health minister Nitin Patel.
"Centre will review the price (MSP), if they will feel a need to review it. There are different issues at various places. Cotton has been produced in many areas," Patel said.
"I have formed a committee, which will be headed by Nitin Patel. They will review the situation and we will decide further course of action based on findings of the committee," she said.
A farmer (21) died yesterday after he immolated himself at Vinchhiya marketing yard in Rajkot district, because of not getting a good price for his cotton crop.
The victim identified as Arvind Nagani Koli had first consumed pesticide and later set himself on fire after pouring kerosene on himself.
Another cotton farmer Mahobatsang Gohel also consumed a poisonous substance in Vadhwan town of Surendranagar district yesterday.
After these deaths, Gujarat's farmers have intensified their agitation. Farmers in various towns in Saurashtra staged protests and opposed the state government's Krushi Mahotsav.
Farmers in Gujarat have been agitating since last month demanding an increase in the MSP of cotton and groundnut crops.
