Fixing an MSP for Green Leaf

摘要

Tamil Nadu Rural Industries Minister, Pongalur N. Palaniswamy, has promised the small growers of the Nilgiris that the State Government would take up with the Centre the question of fixing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their green leaf. This he did after holding an extensive discussion with the various segments of the industry at Ooty'on Sept 5. Although he did not make it open, every one knows that this follows the pressure the Opposition AIADMK is laying through agitations in the district to make the Centre and State take necessary steps to announce the MSP as per the order of Madras High Court. Politically, the Opposition did not attend the meeting, but those with Congress and Left affiliations who are part of the ruling DMK frorU in the State were present. While those with such political lineage stood to their well known position, the growers had their own list of suggestions and grievances. Some growers felt that politicisation of the tea issue leads to division among the growers even as all of them are unanimous in seeking an MSP. Nevertheless, it is not easy to make them all come under one banner at this stage because, each political party is interested in impressing the grower community that it is caring for them the most!