1 Uncorrected/ Not for publication- 08.12.2009 SSS-AKG/11.00/1A ...

140Uncorrected/ Not for publication- 08.12.2009It has not gone up by even one paisa. The Government standscommitted steadfastly to the fact that the most disadvantaged sectionsof society have to be insulated and given social security net in terms ofpoverty reduction.Sir, the Government has taken tremendous pains. The hon.Member spoke about the agriculture sector. To me, one of the mostimportant issues -- I am not an expert -- regarding agriculture is thequestion of Minimum Support Price in terms of what a Government cando. The Minimum Support Price for rice has been increased by thisGovernment by 79 per cent from Rs.560 to Rs.1,000. The MSP forwheat has been increased by 72 per cent from Rs.640 to Rs.1,100. Theintention of the Government to help the farmer, to help the agriculturesector, and to take all steps to protect the disadvantaged people of thecountry is very clear and very, very transparent for the entire world tosee. You look at the fiscal measures; you look at the administrativemeasures.The hon. Member raised the question of futures trading. Thefutures trading has been stopped. When the entire issue became a verybig problem, futures trading in four vital items, namely, rice, urad dal,tuar dal and sugar has been suspended. Also, the export of non-Basmati rice, edible oil, and pulses have been banned.Fiscal measures have been taken by the Government. A largeamount of money has been injected into the economy. I believe thatwhatever measures a Central Government can possibly take, those stepsand those measures have been taken by the Government to good effect.