Farmers protest against contentious laws began late November.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday made a strong appeal amid farmers' protests near Delhi borders as he defended the centre's agricultural laws that have triggered biggest agitation in years. "If anyone has any concerns, then with our heads bowed and our hands folded, with humility, we are willing to discuss with them and assuage their fears," PM Modi said, addressing farmers in Madhya Pradesh via video.
"These laws were not brought in overnight. In past 22 years, every government, state has discussed these in detail. Farmer groups, agricultural experts, economists, scientists and progressive farmers, have called for reforms. Parties opposing these laws today promised these reforms in their manifestos," he asserted.
Today, he spoke in favour of the the laws again, stressing: "Agriculture reforms initiated six months back have started benefitting farmers."
Despite government assurance on the minimum support price, the protests have entered the 24th day and the numbers continue to swell at the Delhi borders; the support to the agitation is also growing.
Bharatiya Kisan Union president Naresh Tikait on Friday said farmers did not want conflict during the protest against the new farm laws and the issue should be resolved through dialogue. Mr Tikait said the Centre should repeal the farm laws in public interest, adding that the contentious legislations were not in favour of the farmers.
Here are the updates on farmers' protest
Farmers Protests: Agitation For A Long Haul, Protesters Say
Two nationwide protests have been organised since the farmers started camping around Delhi- last week's Bharat Bandh and an all-India hunger strike earlier this week. The protesters say they're ready for a long haul, if needed. Visuals have shown them arranging community meals and persisting despite Delhi's biting cold.
Farmers say the new laws will leave them at the mercy of corporates. The legislations also aim to remove middlemen.
Hoping To End Standoff By Year-End, Says Agriculture Minister 
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday said the government is hopeful of resolving farmers' agitation against three new farm laws before the new year. "We have constantly been holding discussions with farmers' unions... Overall, our effort is to reach a solution through dialogue with them. We are still open for talks. We are holding discussions with unions. I hope through dialogue we can move towards reaching a solution," Mr Tomar told news agency PTI. Read
here
Kapil Sibal Slams Government Over Farm Laws
Congress leader Kapil Sibal this morning hit out at the government over protests, saying: "Dear PM, three big lies are being spread in the name of farm laws. Understand the pain of farmers. They're not a part of politics. Demonetisation: Everything will be ok in 50 days. Corona: wait for 21 days. China- No intrusion on our land"
"Not Against Talks With Centre": Farmers' Leader Amid Protests
Farmers' leader Rakesh Tikait this morning said: "We are not against government negotiations. We have not blocked food supply chain... nor do we plant o."