Sit-ins and Demonstrations
Farmers in northern states of Haryana and Punjab staged sit-ins near toll plazas on major highways, while tens of thousands marched toward New Delhi in tractors and wagons. Supported by trade unions, the farmers blocked highways and held demonstrations to express their frustrations over various grievances.
Demands for Guaranteed Prices
The farmers are demanding legislation that would guarantee minimum support prices for all farm produce. Currently, the government sets a minimum purchase price for certain essential crops, but the protesters want this protection to apply to all produce. They argue that increasing cultivation costs and rising debts have led them to overproduce rice and wheat, depleting the water table and forcing them to look for other alternatives.
Government Crackdown
The authorities have responded by suspending mobile internet services in some areas, blocking social media accounts of protest leaders, and using tear gas canisters dropped from drones on the protesters. Despite these measures, the farmers continue to camp on the Punjab-Haryana border, determined to make their voices heard.
Past Protests and Unfulfilled Promises
This is not the first time that farmers in India have taken to the streets to demand their rights. Similar protests occurred two years ago and lasted for over a year. At that time, farmers camped on the outskirts of the capital to protest against agriculture laws that were later withdrawn. The current protests are a reminder of the unfulfilled promises made by the government to double farmers’ income, waive their loans, and withdraw legal cases brought against them during the previous protests.
Deadlock and Elections
Despite several meetings between farm leaders and government ministers, a resolution has not been reached. Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda remains optimistic and believes that a peaceful solution can be found. However, the protests come at an important time for India, with elections just a few months away. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who repealed the agricultural laws in 2021, is seeking a third successive term and will need to address the concerns of this influential voting bloc.