On Monday, Indian farmers made public their intent to march towards New Delhi to demand fair crop prices, a move which drew a swift and substantial response from the authorities. Precautionary measures were put into place, including the erecting of barricades along key highways. This move underscores the escalating tension between the farmers and the government over issues of agricultural policies and fair crop prices.
Approximately one hundred thousand farmers from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha-Non Political (SKM-NP) are preparing to rally in New Delhi. This is reminiscent of their year-long protest in 2021, which saw the farmers demanding fair prices and other rights. However, their progress has been hindered by police barricades erected on key highways leading to the capital.
Authorities have imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) across Delhi in response to the farmers’ march, which prohibits public gatherings and rallies. Other measures included the suspension of internet services, the issue of traffic advisories and the erection of additional barricades.
The primary objective of the march is to advocate for guaranteed minimum support prices (MSPs) for agricultural produce. This objective, however, has been compromised by the recent detention of SKM-NP leader Shiv Kumar Kakka by the Madhya Pradesh police. This has sparked concerns among farmers about the government’s commitment to meaningful dialogue.
The farmers have a comprehensive set of demands, from relief against agricultural debts to opposition against Foreign Direct Investment and corporatization in farming. Still, their most pressing demand is the assurance of MSPs. Despite the government making annual announcements of support prices for over 20 crops, the primary beneficiaries have been a small fraction of farmers whom the government purchases rice and wheat from. In response, farmers are urging the government to fulfill its promise of doubling their income, made during the previous protest.
This march comes on the back of impending national elections in India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to secure a third term. With farmers holding significant voting power, political parties are keen on appeasing them. However, the ongoing standoff can potentially swing the election results, proving further complicated.