Nov 2007: Minimum Support !?

Cover Story: The issue of minimum support price for paddy has occupied considerable space in the media and the political sphere in several states. However, a wider gamut of produce/services are not covered in the minimum price mechanism. Where covered, as in the case of the labour for whom Minimum Wages Act exists, the implementation is slack. Field studies indicate that the minimum support price fixed for agriculture may be inadequate. The livelihoods Team raises these issues and argues for the requirement of a comprehensive minimum support to cover a wider gamut of goods and services in the community.