Will PM Modi's bid to win farmers over end the deadlock?

In a bid to address farmers' concerns, PM Narendra Modi Friday interacted with farmers from different parts of the country to mark the release of funds for the second tranche of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. While accusing Opposition parties of misleading farmers, the PM said India will not be 'aatmanirbhar' unless the farmers become self-reliant.

Responding to the PM's address, farmer leader Shyoraj Singh appealed to the Centre not to divide farmers over the issue of farm laws. "We have acknowledged that procurement of farm produce at MSP will continue like before," farmer leader Chaudhary Pushpendra Singh said. Farmer leader Ravinder Cheema went on to add that Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has already given assurances regarding APMC mandis.