Farmers Protest in Uttar Pradesh – Key

Farmers in western Uttar Pradesh have initiated protest, marching towards Delhi. This movement began on December 2, 2024, as around 5,000 farmers gathered at the Delhi-Noida border. Their agitation is directed against regional authorities concerning land acquisition issues. The protests are rooted in longstanding grievances that the farmers claim have been ignored.

Farmers’ Groups Involved

The protest is led by various farmer organisations, including the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKU), Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP), and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM). Many of these groups were also prominent in the 2020 protests against the Central government’s farm laws. However, the current demands focus on state-level issues, specifically concerning land acquisition and compensation.

Demands of the Farmers

The farmers are advocating for several key demands. They seek a provision that 10% of the land acquired for development should be returned to its original owners. They also request a 64.7% increase in compensation rates, arguing that the previous rates do not reflect current market values. Additional demands include legal benefits for displaced families, such as educational reservations and access to free utilities.

Background of the Protests

Protests regarding land acquisition have been ongoing since 2008 but have gained momentum recently. The farmers’ agitation intensified after assurances from the state government earlier this year, which promised to form a committee to address their concerns. However, the farmers claim that the recommendations of this committee were never implemented, leading to renewed protests.

Current Situation

As of now, farmers from various districts have been halted at the Mahamaya flyover. They have decided to temporarily suspend their protest following verbal assurances from government officials about a meeting with the Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh government. They plan to remain at the Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida for a week to press their demands. If their concerns are not addressed, they may resume their march to Delhi.

Impact on Traffic and Public Life

The protests have caused disruptions in traffic around the affected areas. Authorities are working to manage the situation while ensuring that the farmers’ voices are heard. The ongoing agitation marks the tension between farmers and government authorities in Uttar Pradesh.

Future Prospects

The outcome of the farmers’ demands remains uncertain. The farmers are prepared to escalate their protests if necessary. Their situation reflects broader issues of land rights and compensation that continue to affect agricultural communities across India.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of land acquisition policies on farmers in India.
2. Estimate the role of farmer organisations in shaping agricultural policies in India.
3. Point out the socio-economic implications of the farmers’ protests in Uttar Pradesh.
4. What is the significance of Minimum Support Price in agricultural economics? How does it impact farmers’ livelihoods?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of land acquisition policies on farmers in India.

1. Land acquisition often leads to displacement of farmers, affecting their livelihood and traditional practices.
2. Compensation rates are frequently inadequate, failing to reflect current market values or inflation.
3. Policies can exacerbate social inequalities, with marginalized farmers facing the brunt of land loss.
4. Protests against land acquisition highlight farmers’ grievances and the need for policy reforms.
5. Successful land acquisition policies should incorporate fair compensation, rehabilitation, and consent from affected communities.

2. Estimate the role of farmer organisations in shaping agricultural policies in India.

1. Farmer organisations advocate for the rights and interests of farmers, influencing policy discussions at various levels.
2. They mobilize grassroots support, enabling collective bargaining power against government and corporate interests.
3. Through protests and negotiations, these organisations can bring attention to critical issues like land rights and compensation.
4. They play a vital role in educating farmers about their rights and available resources.
5. Collaborations with other civil society groups can amplify their impact on agricultural reforms.

3. Point out the socio-economic implications of the farmers’ protests in Uttar Pradesh.

1. Protests reveal deep-rooted discontent regarding land acquisition and compensation policies, affecting farmers’ livelihoods.
2. They can disrupt local economies, impacting businesses and daily life in protest-affected areas.
3. Increased visibility of farmers’ issues may lead to broader public support and political accountability.
4. Protests can strain relationships between farmers and government authorities, complicating future negotiations.
5. They highlight the need for sustainable agricultural policies that consider socio-economic realities of farming communities.

4. What is the significance of Minimum Support Price in agricultural economics? How does it impact farmers’ livelihoods?

1. Minimum Support Price (MSP) ensures farmers receive a baseline price for their crops, protecting them from market fluctuations.
2. It incentivizes farmers to produce certain crops, influencing agricultural production patterns and food security.
3. MSP can help stabilize rural incomes, reducing poverty and improving living standards for farming families.
4. However, inadequate MSP coverage or implementation can leave many farmers vulnerable to losses.
5. MSP policies need regular review to reflect changing economic conditions and ensure fair compensation for all farmers.