Fri Mar 21 16:18:41 UTC 2025: ## Lok Sabha Approves ₹50 Lakh Crore Budget Amidst Farmer Protest Controversy

**New Delhi, March 21, 2025** – The Lok Sabha passed the Demands for Grants for various ministries totaling over ₹50 lakh crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year, utilizing the guillotine method to expedite the process. The Appropriation Bill (3), 2025, was also passed.

While the Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, highlighted the government’s ₹22.38 lakh crore investment in Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement and claimed a “miraculous” 5% growth in agriculture, the Opposition voiced strong concerns.

The debate on the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare saw heated exchanges regarding police action against protesting farmers on the Punjab-Haryana border and the implications of reduced import duties on grains, potentially impacting domestic agricultural production. Opposition MPs raised concerns about the government’s agreement to lower import duties on US agricultural products, citing statements by US President Donald Trump.

Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi criticized the government’s handling of the farmer protests, accusing the BJP of betraying its promises on MSP and suppressing dissent. He questioned the government’s credibility, highlighting instances where talks with protesting farmers were followed by police crackdowns. Similar sentiments were echoed by Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav and DMK MP T.M. Selvaganapathi, who criticized the government’s approach as potentially devastating for Indian farmers. NCP MP Amol Ramsing Kolhe highlighted the disparity between US and Indian farmers, particularly in soybean production.

Mr. Chouhan defended the government’s actions, accusing the Opposition of hypocrisy and highlighting their previous alliances. The debate underscored deep divisions over the government’s agricultural policies and its handling of farmer protests.

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