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India's Farmers Rise Again: Protests, Demands, and the Battle for Survival

In the vast agricultural heartlands of northern India, a familiar scene is unfolding once more. Thousands of farmers, clad in traditional turbans and wielding flags emblazoned with union symbols, are marching towards the capital, Delhi. Their tractors rumble along highways, their voices chant slogans demanding justice, and their resolve echoes the massive uprising of 2020-2021 that forced the government to backtrack on controversial farm laws. But this time, the protests are not just a repeat; they represent a deepening crisis in India's rural economy, where promises of prosperity have often rung hollow for those who till the soil.

The spark for the latest agitation ignited in early February 2024, when farmer unions, primarily from the states of Punjab and Haryana, announced a "Delhi Chalo" (March to Delhi) campaign. Organized under the banner of groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, the protesters set out to press a 12-point charter of demands. At the forefront is a call for a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops—a mechanism that would ensure farmers receive a fixed, fair price for their produce, shielding them from market volatility. Without it, many argue, small and marginal farmers are left at the mercy of fluctuating prices, often selling below production costs and sinking deeper into debt.

To understand the intensity of these demands, one must revisit the tumultuous events of three years ago. In 2020, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, introduced three farm laws aimed at liberalizing the agricultural sector. Proponents claimed these reforms would dismantle outdated monopolies, allowing farmers to sell directly to private buyers and boosting incomes through free-market dynamics. However, farmers saw it differently. They feared the laws would erode the MSP system, empower large corporations, and leave them vulnerable to exploitation. What followed was one of the largest sustained protests in modern Indian history. Farmers camped on Delhi's borders for over a year, braving harsh winters, monsoon rains, and even the COVID-19 pandemic. Their determination culminated in the government's repeal of the laws in November 2021, a rare concession from Modi's administration.

Yet, the victory felt incomplete. "We went home thinking our voices were heard, but the core issues remain unresolved," says Jagjit Singh, a wheat farmer from Punjab's Amritsar district, who participated in both protests. Singh, like many others, points to the absence of a legally binding MSP as the unfinished business. Currently, MSP is announced by the government for 23 crops, but it's not mandatory for buyers to adhere to it. In practice, only a fraction of farmers benefit, mainly those growing rice and wheat in states with robust procurement systems. For crops like pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables, market prices often plummet, leading to distress sales.

The current protests amplify these grievances with additional demands. Farmers are calling for the waiver of agricultural loans, which have ballooned due to rising input costs like fertilizers, seeds, and diesel. Many are trapped in cycles of borrowing from moneylenders at exorbitant interest rates, with stories of suicides haunting rural communities. A pension scheme for farmers over 60 and landless laborers is another key ask, recognizing the aging workforce in agriculture where physical toil takes a heavy toll. Protesters also demand the withdrawal of cases filed against them during the 2020 agitation and compensation for families of those who died in the protests—over 700 farmers reportedly lost their lives back then, according to union estimates.

Broader economic concerns fuel the unrest. India's push towards global trade agreements, including its membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), is seen by some as detrimental to local farmers. Demands include exiting WTO pacts that restrict subsidies and import duties, which protesters argue flood the market with cheaper foreign produce, undercutting domestic prices. Environmental issues are intertwined too: the call for implementing the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, which advocate for sustainable farming practices and fair pricing based on production costs plus a 50% profit margin.

The government's response has been a mix of dialogue and deterrence. As farmers approached Delhi in mid-February, authorities fortified the city's borders with concrete barriers, metal spikes, and trenches—reminiscent of the 2020 standoff. Police deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and drones to disperse crowds, leading to injuries on both sides. A young farmer, Shubhkaran Singh, tragically died during clashes at the Punjab-Haryana border, intensifying the outcry. Union ministers, including Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, have held multiple rounds of talks with farmer leaders, offering assurances on MSP and loan relief. In one proposal, the government suggested procuring certain crops at MSP for five years through cooperatives, but unions rejected it as insufficient, insisting on a comprehensive law covering all crops.

Prime Minister Modi has publicly praised farmers as the "annadatas" (food providers) of the nation, emphasizing initiatives like the PM-KISAN scheme, which provides direct income support of 6,000 rupees ($72) annually to small farmers. The government highlights record MSP hikes and infrastructure investments, such as irrigation projects and crop insurance. Critics, however, argue these measures fall short of addressing systemic inequalities. "The MSP system needs teeth—a law that enforces it nationwide," explains agricultural economist Devinder Sharma. "Without it, liberalization benefits agribusiness giants, not the average farmer."

Personal stories humanize the statistics. Take Ranjit Kaur, a widow from Haryana's Karnal district. Her husband, a cotton farmer, took his life in 2022 after consecutive crop failures and mounting debts. "We sold our land to pay loans, but prices crashed due to cheap imports," she recounts, her eyes welling up. Kaur now joins the protests, hoping for debt relief and stable incomes for her children. Similarly, young farmers like Amanpreet Singh from Punjab express frustration over unemployment and migration. "Farming isn't viable anymore; many of us are forced to seek jobs abroad," he says. The protests have drawn support from diverse groups, including women, youth, and even urban sympathizers, broadening the movement's base.

The political context adds layers. With national elections looming in April-May 2024, the protests pose a challenge to Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which relies on rural votes. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have voiced solidarity, accusing the government of neglecting farmers. In Punjab and Haryana, where agriculture is a lifeline, the agitation could sway electoral outcomes. Yet, the movement transcends politics; it's a cry for dignity in a sector that employs nearly half of India's workforce but contributes only about 15% to GDP.

As negotiations continue, the farmers' resolve shows no signs of waning. They've set up temporary camps along highways, sharing meals and stories under the open sky. Cultural elements infuse the protests—folk songs, tractor parades, and community kitchens reminiscent of Sikh langars—fostering unity. International attention has trickled in, with diaspora communities in Canada and the UK holding solidarity rallies, echoing the global spotlight of 2020 when celebrities like Rihanna amplified the cause.

Experts warn that ignoring these demands could exacerbate rural distress, potentially leading to food security issues in a country that's the world's largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices. Climate change adds urgency: erratic weather patterns, water scarcity, and soil degradation threaten yields, making stable pricing even more critical. "This isn't just about farmers; it's about the future of India's food system," notes Sharma.

For now, the march to Delhi persists, a testament to the enduring spirit of India's agrarian class. Whether it forces another policy U-turn or fizzles amid government pushback remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the farmers' anger is rooted in a quest for equity, and until that's addressed, the fields of discontent will continue to yield protests rather than peace.

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Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9qyvx771neo ]