INTRODUCTION:
Indian farmers have staged large-scale protests on the roads over the past few years. These protests are the result of the government’s controversial agricultural reforms. Farmers worry that the resulting changes could put their livelihoods in danger and expose them to corporate interests. They have persisted in demanding justice in spite of the severe weather and the difficulties brought on by the pandemic. Although the protests led to major policy reversals, farmers are still fighting for additional basic rights, such as minimum support prices with other demands.
BACKGROUND FOR PROTESTS:
These protests originated in response to three proposed laws that would loosen rules governing the sale, pricing, and storage of farm produce – rules that had previously protected farmers from the free market for decades. Farm unions claimed that these laws would make farmers vulnerable to big corporations while jeopardizing their livelihoods.
The Indian government unveiled three historic farm bills in an attempt to modernise the agriculture industry and solve long-standing issues faced by farmers. These bills aim to empower farmers, expedite trade, enhance the agricultural ecosystem, and promote private investment. By enabling farmers to sell their produce outside of conventional market yards, the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill seeks to liberalise the agricultural trade by providing them with access to a larger market and the possibility of higher prices. Agribusinesses and farmers can enter into contract farming agreements through the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, which guarantees farmers’ prices and access to contemporary technology.
And the third, the goal of the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill is to deregulate the production and sale of necessities in order to boost market competition and encourage private sector participation in agriculture. Even though these bills have generated discussion and opposition, they represent a significant advancement in modernising India’s agricultural industry and raising the standard of living for millions of farmers across the nation.
While protesting farmers have blocked the road, the Supreme Court has directed the Central Government to find a solution if roads remain blocked as a result of the farmers’ agitation against three agricultural laws. While hearing a petition, the court directed the central government to find a solution; farmers have the right to protest, but roadways between Noida and Delhi cannot be obstructed.
After fighting for months that the reforms would not help farmers, the prime minister declared that his government would be repealing the laws. Later, a bill repealing the reforms was passed by the parliament. Farmers persisted in their protests until the government sent a formal letter granting many of their other demands, though, and did not leave their protest areas right away.
In addition, the government pledged to compensate the families of farmers who were killed in the protests. The government agreed to establish a committee made up of representatives from the central and state governments, agricultural scientists, and farmer organisations in response to the demand for a minimum support price for the farmers.
WHY PROTESTING NOW:
The reason for the current protests is that farmers’ demands have not been met by government.
The protesters assert that the government has not moved forward with other important demands, including loan waivers, double farmers’ incomes, and minimum support price. The main focus of their protests is the need for legislation that ensures minimum support price.
They also assert that the families of farmers who were killed in earlier protests have not received compensation from the government.
In order to help shore up food reserves and prevent shortages, the government established a minimum purchase price for a number of essential crops in the 1960s. This system protects agricultural producers from abrupt drops in farm prices. Farmers advocate for legislation that protects all produce.
In addition, they have requested that the government forgive their debts and grant them pensions. Furthermore, the demonstrators demand that India revoke all free trade agreements and leave the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Farmers demanded penalties for those who sell fake fertiliser, pesticides, and seeds. They want the government to expand the rural employment guarantee programme to 200 workdays.
CONCLUSION:
India’s farmer protests have been a potent illustration of the tenacity and grit of those who toil the land. These farmers have refused to back down in the face of harsh circumstances and obstacles, demanding justice and equitable treatment. Although there have been policy reversals, the fight for minimum support prices for their crops and other basic rights is still ongoing. Their voices reverberate through the streets and fields, reminding us that we can hold governments responsible and influence policy through collective action.
