India / Misunderstanding created regarding reforms: Tomar in open letter to farmers

NEW DELHI: Union minister for agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar on Thursday wrote a letter to farmers protesting against Centre's new farm laws, saying misunderstanding has been created and the reforms were in the interests of farmers.

'Please trust that these reforms done in the interests of farmers will form the foundation of a new chapter in Indian agriculture and will make the country's farmers more independent, empower them," Tomar said in a letter.

"Many farmers' unions have supported farm laws. But some farmer groups have created confusion. Being an agriculture minister, it is my duty to remove misconceptions and address concerns of every farmer. It is also my duty to expose the conspiracy being hatched around Delhi and present the truth and facts before you," he said.

Urging the farmers to read the letter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the agriculture minister has expressed his feelings in the letter in a bid to initiate dialogue.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court said it will not interfere with the farmers protest against three farms laws. "We're of the view at this stage that the farmers’ protest should be allowed to continue without impediment & without any breach of peace either by the protesters or police," the Supreme Court said.

Earlier today, the apex court suggested the idea of putting on hold the contentious farm laws to enable negotiations with agitating farmers which was opposed by the Centre saying agriculturists would then not come forward for the talks.