Farmers in India have been protesting over various issues, primarily concerning agricultural policies and their economic well-being .
Key Issues Driving Farmer Protests:
- Deregulation of Agricultural Laws: Farmers have protested against reforms to agricultural laws that deregulate the industry, fearing exploitation by corporations . They worry that these changes will leave them vulnerable to market fluctuations and corporate control .
- Fair Prices and Income: A major demand is for fair prices for their produce and measures to ensure a stable income . Farmers are seeking policies that guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops .
- Debt: Many farmers face significant debt burdens, leading to financial distress and, in some cases, suicides . Loan waivers and debt restructuring are often key demands during protests .
- Anti-Farmer Policies: Farmers have protested against policies they perceive as detrimental to their interests .
- Exploitation: Farmers and farmworkers are also concerned about exploitation by international corporations .
Historical Context and Recent Developments:
- Past Protests: Farmers have a history of protesting in India, with significant demonstrations occurring in recent years .
- Government Response: The government has, at times, responded to protests by repealing laws or offering concessions .
- Farmers’ Resilience: Despite challenges and setbacks, farmers continue to voice their concerns and demand policy changes .
In summary, farmer protests in India stem from issues related to deregulation, fair pricing, debt, and perceived anti-farmer policies, reflecting a broader struggle for economic security and fair treatment in the agricultural sector .
Specific agricultural policies are the farmers protesting against :
Farmers in India have primarily protested against three agricultural laws passed in 2020, often referred to as the “Farm Laws” :
- The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020: This act aimed to create trading areas free of market fees/taxes and facilitate barrier-free inter-state and intra-state trade of farmers’ produce . Farmers feared this would dismantle the existing Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) system, which, despite its flaws, provided a regulated marketplace .
- The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020: This act provided a framework for contract farming, allowing farmers to enter into agreements with private firms . Farmers worried that this would favor corporations, leaving them with little bargaining power and exposing them to exploitation .
- The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020: This act deregulated the production, supply, and distribution of certain essential commodities . Farmers were concerned that this would lead to hoarding by large corporations and price volatility, negatively impacting small farmers .
Key concerns regarding these laws:
- Dismantling of APMC System: Farmers feared the end of the APMC system would deprive them of a safety net and lead to lower prices .
- Corporate Exploitation: There were worries that contract farming would allow corporations to dictate terms and exploit farmers .
- Loss of MSP: Farmers feared that the new laws would eventually lead to the end of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, which guarantees a minimum price for certain crops .
Repeal of the Laws:
- Due to widespread and sustained protests, the Indian government eventually repealed these three farm laws in November 2021 …
