Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced on Friday that the next round of meetings with farmer leaders will take place on February 22.
Joshi shared that the recent discussions with farm leaders were productive, as their concerns were heard and they were updated on the decisions made by the Modi government to support farmers.
“We had a very positive meeting with farmer leaders… They presented their demands, and we carefully listened to all of them. We also informed them about the steps the PM Modi-led government has taken in the interest of farmers. The next meeting will be held on February 22 under the leadership of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan,” Joshi told reporters.
The announcement follows Joshi’s meeting with farm leaders protesting at the Khanauri border in Sangrur district, Punjab, where they continue to press for their demands. The upcoming meeting will be led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Joshi also urged farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike against the government, to end his protest. “I requested Jagjit Singh Dallewal on behalf of the Central government to call off his hunger strike… He told me that he would consider it,” Joshi said in a video.
Punjab Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian mentioned that the next meeting is expected to take place in Chandigarh, adding, “The Union Minister listened carefully to all the demands of the farmers. The Minister seemed positive.”
Punjab Minister Lal Chand Kataruchakk commented on the progress of the talks, saying, “It’s encouraging that the discussions between both sides were positive. As the demands are directed at the central government, we stand with the farmers. An appeal has been made to Jagjit Singh Dallewal to end his fast, and he is open to doing so once the demands are addressed.”