Farmers Protest: Reason and Demands

Farmer unions including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) have revived protests demanding urgent reforms for the agrarian sector. Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are marching towards Delhi to pressure the central government into accepting their demands, mainly a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) mechanism through legislation.

Previous year-long agitations secured rollback of the three contentions farm laws but failed to institutionalize MSP assurances. Hence farmers now seek long-term solutions to pricing uncertainties and other systemic issues impacting farm livelihoods. With opposition party support and firm backing from Punjab government, the protests signal another protracted standoff until key farmer issues are resolved.

Demand for a Legal Guarantee on MSP

The foremost demand is legislation mandating minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, akin to a rights-based approach. Farmers want assured procurement at prefixed MSPs to eliminate market uncertainties and unfair pricing.

Despite government promises on continuing MSP-based procurement, farmers remain skeptical due to past unfulfilled assurances. The agitation leaders cite examples of crops like maize where market prices have fallen below MSPs due to inadequate government buying.

They argue that since the government procures certain crops like wheat and rice under PDS distribution obligations, it should guarantee MSP to ensure guaranteed returns for farmers. Legal backing would prevent future government backtracking.

MS Swaminathan Panel Recommendations

Another demand is expediting implementation of recommendations made by the National Commission on Farmers chaired by M S Swaminathan. The committee had submitted five detailed reports between 2004-2006 highlighting critical reforms. Key suggestions included:

- Minimum 50% profit over cost of production while fixing MSPs

- Benchmark MSPs against global commodity prices

- Universal rural employment guarantee for 100-150 work days

- Land lease rights for tenant farmers

- Comprehensive support prices for milk, fruits and vegetables

Farmers argue the recommendations provide a holistic framework encompassing pricing security, input subsidies, insurance, irrigation and credit access. With Swaminathan recently honored with the Bharat Ratna, farmers also acknowledge his unparalleled contributions.

Other Notable Demands

Monthly Pension for Elderly Farmers

A key demand is Rs 10,000 monthly pension for farmers above 60 years to ensure social security in old age.

Memorial Site in Delhi

Farmers also want allotment of land in Delhi to erect a memorial for "martyrs" of the previous year-long agitation.

Lakhimpur Kheri Incident

There are renewed calls for strong legal action against accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence against protesting farmers that resulted in deaths.

Debt Relief

Complete farm debt waiver and withdrawal of police cases against protesters are also sought.

Justice for Victims

Adequate compensation for families of 700+ farmers who died during the year-long stir camping at Delhi borders.

Committee Rejection

Farmers rejected the government panel offer to deliberate solutions, citing past failures of such committees to resolve core issues.

Political Support

The Aam Aadmi Party, Congress and Left parties continue extending moral support to the farmers' issues.

Punjab's Backing

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticized BJP-ruled Haryana's attempts to use force to stop protests.

Impact and Implications

The renewed farmer agitation signals government failure to adequately address agricultural reforms despite Centre's climbdown on three farm laws after extensive protests.

With multiple farmer organizations now aligning to continue the stir, the movement seems re-energized. The protesters appear prepared for another year-long demonstration if demands remain unmet.

However, economic hardships faced by common citizens due to supply chain disruptions during previous protests may erode public sentiment over time. The ruling BJP will also likely exercise strict vigil to prevent protest escalation to avoid being branded anti-farmer.

Successfully tackling issues raised by farm unions and implementing meaningful reforms thus remains critical. The future of India's agrarian economy and millions of livelihoods depends on it.