Farmers Protest 2.0: Key Demands Explained

Farmers Protest 2.0

Farmers affiliated with the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) are marching from Punjab and Haryana towards Delhi to demand key reforms. Their primary demand is the enactment of a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops, addressing uncertainties in the market.

Guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) Law

• Demand for a law ensuring MSP for all crops.
• Insistence on legal assurance due to unmet promises by the government.
• Desire for MSP on every crop, citing the government’s role in procurement for public distribution.

Implementation of MS Swaminathan Committee Recommendations

• Urgent implementation of recommendations, including a minimum 50% increase in MSP.
• Acknowledgment of Swaminathan’s contribution, recently honored with Bharat Ratna.
• Farmers seek economic security and fair pricing mechanisms.

Other Demands

• Pension of Rs 10,000/month for farmers above 60 years.
• Stronger actions against accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.
• Grant of land in Delhi for a memorial honoring previous protest “martyrs”.
• Justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri tragedy.
• Waiver of farm debts and withdrawal of police cases from previous protests.

Despite government proposals for committee formation, farmer representatives remain skeptical. Political support from AAP and Congress aligns with farmers’ cause. Punjab Chief Minister criticizes Haryana’s attempts to block the protest march. The steadfastness of the farmers signals a prolonged standoff unless their demands are adequately addressed.