The farmers’ protests in India have become movement over the past few years. The anniversary of the Dilli Chalo protest on November 26 serves as a reminder of the struggle faced by farmers. This date marks the beginning of a large-scale agitation against three controversial farm laws passed in 2020. Despite the repeal of these laws in 2021, the farmers continue to rally for their demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Background of the Protests
In September 2020, the Indian Parliament passed three farm laws aimed at liberalising the agricultural sector. Farmers feared these laws would undermine their livelihoods. On October 20, 2020, the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) formed the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) to lead the protests.
The Dilli Chalo Movement
On November 26, 2020, farmers initiated the Dilli Chalo movement. They marched towards Delhi, facing important resistance from the Haryana government. Barriers, water cannons, and tear gas were used against them. Despite these challenges, thousands camped at the Delhi borders for 13 months. Tragically, nearly 750 farmers lost their lives during this period.
Repeal of the Farm Laws
The protests culminated in the repeal of the farm laws on November 19, 2021. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this on the occasion of Gurpurab. Farmers remained at the borders until December 9, 2021, to secure written commitments on their demands, including the establishment of a committee for MSP.
Unfulfilled Promises
Post-repeal, farmers were promised various assurances, including legal guarantees for MSP and action against those responsible for the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. However, many of these promises remain unfulfilled. Farmers continue to advocate for their rights and demand the implementation of these assurances.
Recent Developments
Recently, farmers, led by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and SKM, have renewed their protests. They aim to highlight their ongoing demands, particularly the legal guarantee for MSP. Despite government resistance, farmers are determined to march towards Delhi, marking the anniversary of the Dilli Chalo movement.
Key Issues in Current Protests
The farmers’ movement now encompasses a broader agenda. Key issues include opposition to the Digital Agriculture Mission and the privatisation of public sector ventures. Farmers have planned nationwide protests in 500 districts, collaborating with central trade unions to amplify their voices.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of the Dilli Chalo movement on contemporary farmers’ rights in India.
- Discuss the significance of Minimum Support Price in the context of Indian agriculture.
- Critically discuss the role of social movements in shaping agricultural policies in India.
- With suitable examples, discuss the implications of privatisation in agriculture on small farmers in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of the Dilli Chalo movement on contemporary farmers’ rights in India.
- It galvanized farmers across India, uniting them for a common cause against the farm laws.
- The movement led to the repeal of controversial laws, reinstating farmers’ rights and voices in policy-making.
- It raised awareness about farmers’ issues, leading to ongoing advocacy for legal guarantees like MSP.
- The movement established a framework for future mobilizations and solidarity among agricultural communities.
- It brought into light the importance of collective action in influencing government decisions and policy reforms.
2. Discuss the significance of Minimum Support Price in the context of Indian agriculture.
- MSP acts as a safety net for farmers, ensuring they receive a minimum price for their produce.
- It helps stabilize farmers’ incomes, reducing the risk of indebtedness and financial distress.
- MSP encourages farmers to grow certain crops, influencing agricultural production patterns.
- The absence of a legal guarantee for MSP has led to widespread protests, reflecting farmers’ vulnerabilities.
- MSP is crucial for food security, as it incentivizes the production of essential crops in India.
3. Critically discuss the role of social movements in shaping agricultural policies in India.
- Social movements mobilize collective action, raising awareness about agricultural issues and farmer rights.
- They challenge government policies, leading to reforms and amendments in existing agricultural laws.
- Movements like the Dilli Chalo have influenced public discourse and brought farmers’ concerns to the forefront.
- They encourage solidarity among diverse farmer groups, amplifying their demands for justice and equity.
- Social movements also play a role in educating farmers about their rights and available resources.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the implications of privatisation in agriculture on small farmers in India.
- Privatisation can lead to increased costs for small farmers, making access to resources like seeds and fertilizers more expensive.
- It may result in the marginalization of small farmers, as larger corporations dominate the market.
- Examples include the impact of contract farming, where small farmers often face unfavorable terms and conditions.
- Privatisation can reduce the availability of public support systems, leaving small farmers vulnerable to market fluctuations.
- It can also lead to loss of traditional farming practices and biodiversity as corporate interests prioritize profit over sustainability.
