Kisan Andolan 2.0: Why Farmers are Protesting? How is Govt. Responding?

Farmers have been the backbone of Indian economic growth and development over the years. You must have heard of the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” which aims to highlight the importance of soldiers and farmers in Indian sovereignty. But despite such a social image and support for farmers, why are they protesting again and again? Is the government not working hard enough to deliver results for farmers? Or there is merely an understanding gap? 

Let’s leave this discussion for the industry experts and focus on the key highlights of the Kisan Andolan or Farmer’s Protest in the current scenario.

KMM (Kisan Mazdoor Morcha), SKM (Samyukta Kisan Morcha) and KMSC (Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee) are leading the protest in 2024. 

Farmer’s Key Demands

Legal Guarantee for MSP (Minimum Support Price) on prominent crops

Farmers are demanding that the government should legally fix the MSP at C2+50%. It means that irrespective of the crop, its minimum price must be at least 50% higher than its production cost. Their justification for such a demand is that it will provide financial security to the farmers. Hence, it will drastically impact the mandi bhav across India. Also, due to this, the farmers demand India to come out of WTO and FTA agreements. 

Farm Debt Waiver

Through Protest 2.0, the farmers are pushing the government to frame policies that can guarantee debt waiver in case of crop failure. Every year, several farmers take their lives out of compulsion due to their inability to repay loans.

Regular Pension Facilities for Farmers and Farm Labourers

There demand is that every farmer above 60 years of age should receive a monthly pension of Rs 10,000. Also, a six-fold increase in the MGNREGA scheme. They are demanding for the income under the scheme to be tripled and the number of guaranteed days to be doubled. 

Roll-back of Policies that are not in the interest of farmers

The protest in 2020-21 was against the farm laws that were introduced by the government. However, due to the protest, the government agreed to take back the laws. However, several policies still exist that farmers believe not to be in their favour. Hence, must be taken back.

Govt.’s Response Till Now

Series of Talks 

In response to the protest, the government has agreed to hold talks and discussions with the farmers rather than simply discarding their interests. Till now four rounds of talks have been publicly held with the protesting farmers but the discussion has still not concluded. 

5-Year Plan for MSP

Govt. has proposed a 5-year plan to buy cotton and pulses at MSP recommended by farmers irrespective of quantity. Also promoting cooperative societies such as NCCF and NAFED to ensure process efficiency. However, there is a condition that such benefit will only be provided to farmers who have diversified their production with wheat and paddy.

The farmers are also planning for “Delhi Chalo” to put more pressure on the government to approve their demand at the earliest.

Final Words

Farmers have always been an integral part of the Indian Economy, hence, it would be better to get such an issue resolved at the earliest. These protests often have a significant impact on the nation’s image and the economic burn. If you are looking for a reputed source that can keep you updated on any recent event you must download the Shuru App on your device. The app covers all the latest updates, Delhi latest news in hindi and highlights of the events that might be important to you.