The Indian state Andhra Pradesh is set to enact a law to ensure MSP for farmers which simultaneously envisages heavy penalties including a jail term for defaulters. The relevant bill is expected to be introduced in the next session of the State Assembly. Kakani Govardhana Reddy, State’s Minister for Agriculture & Cooperation, Marketing & Food Processing said, 'A judicial review committee is looking into the Bill. We will pass it as soon as we get clearance.’ This is potentially path breaking. The over a year long Farmers’ Protest (2020-21) was anchored in the Indian Constitution that lists Agriculture as a State Subject. While the Center took back the draconian Farm Laws, it did not concede MSP on 23 crops as listed by the Swaminathan Commission 2007. The Indian states have a role to play here in negotiating with the Center for guaranteed funds before every harvest season. Maharashtra, Panjab, and Rajasthan have made limited legislative arrangements for ensuring MSP. Andhra Pradesh is setting an example that will push these and other states to take up the cause.
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