NEW DELHI: The struggle of India’s farmers continues to grapple with critical issues, including a lack of storage facilities, ineffective procurement systems, and inadequate Minimum Support Prices (MSP).
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 42,000 farmers took their own lives between 2019 and 2022.
Farmers from states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh (UP) are frequently labelled as “Khalistanis,” with the Modi government facing criticism for using harsh tactics against their legitimate protests.
In September 2020, India introduced three controversial farm laws intended to deregulate the agricultural sector, allowing farmers to sell produce outside government-regulated markets and enter into private contracts.
Farmers, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, considered these laws as a threat to their livelihoods, fearing the abolition of the MSP system and exploitation by large corporations.
These concerns triggered widespread protests, ending in November 2020 when thousands of farmers marched towards Delhi, the capital of India.
The authorities stopped them from entering the city, however, they established massive protest camps in Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur areas.
The protests drew international attention, forcing the Indian government to address the farmers’ demands.
On January 26, 2021, a massive tractor rally in Delhi intended as a peaceful demonstration turned partially violent, leading to clashes with police and drawing global scrutiny.
The government initially proposed suspending the laws for 18 months and forming a committee to address concerns. However, the farmers remained resolute, leading to a lengthy deadlock.
The standoff ended on November 19, 2021, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal of the farm laws. On November 29, the Farm Laws Repeal Bill was passed, marking a significant victory for the farmers.
Despite this victory, farmers continued to demand a legal guarantee for MSP and additional safeguards, highlighting the persistent challenges within India’s agricultural sector.
In 2024, protests restarted as farmers called for assured crop prices and other support measures, underscoring agriculture’s centrality to India’s socio-political discourse.
Recent protests in Punjab centred around crop prices and other grievances, have disrupted rail services, highlighting rising tensions.
After failed negotiations, farmers adopted a strategy of blocking the trains and threatened a complete shutdown in Punjab if their demands were not met by December 30.
Observers argue that under Modi’s leadership, India’s shift towards a “Hindu Rashtra” has marginalised various groups, including farmers, who are vital to the nation’s economy.
This moment is seen as a crucial opportunity for Indian farmers and other disadvantaged communities to challenge the prevailing narrative and push for systemic reforms to safeguard their future.
