MSP, govt procurement important for country's food security, here to stay: PM Modi

Once again terming the three recent agricultural reforms "a very important step in improving the agriculture sector of the country and increasing the income of farmers", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Minimum Support Price (MSP) and government procurement would continue.

"Several steps have been taken to ensure that the farmers get one-and-a-half times the input cost as MSP. MSP and government procurement are important parts of the country's food security. So it is natural for them to stay," Prime Minister Modi said during an event to mark the 75th anniversary of India's long-standing relationship with the Food and Agriculture Orgsation (FAO). A commemorative coin of Rs 75 denomination was also released to mark the event.

He added One Nation One Ration Card system has also been implemented in 28 states and Union Territories of the country to ensure food security.

The comments of the Prime Minister come amid Opposition protests over the central government's move to implement three new agricultural laws.

The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation 17 recently developed biofortified varieties of eight crops on World Food Day. "Over the years, there has been considerable work in research and development of advanced seeds in the country. Today, 70 biofortified varieties of different crops are available to the farmers. Before 2014, there was only one such variety," he said.

( With inputs from ANI )