Punjab Farmers’ Agitation - Balancing Reforms with Farmer Consent
23-01-2025
06:14 AM

Context:
- Punjab saw a breakthrough in the ongoing farmers' agitation when farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal ended his 54-day fast, agreeing to talks with the central government.
- This movement, reminiscent of the earlier protests against the now-repealed farm laws, raises critical issues around MSP, agricultural reforms, and farmer unity.
Background and Context of the Punjab Farmers’ Agitation:
- From SKM to SKM (non-political) - Evolution of protests:
- The protest, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, began in February 2023.
- It gained momentum in November 2024 when Dallewal, a 66-year-old leader and political science postgraduate, initiated a hunger strike.
- The movement stems from dissatisfaction with the National Policy Framework on agricultural marketing, perceived as an attempt to reintroduce repealed farm laws.
- Key differences from the 2020-21 agitation:
- The current agitation lacks the pan-state support seen in the earlier SKM-led protests.
- Urban-rural divides have surfaced, with urban traders resisting bandh calls, and women’s participation at the border points being minimal.
Key Issues and Demands of the Farmers’ Agitation:
- 13-point charter of demands: The protest revolves around demands critical to Punjab’s agricultural and economic landscape:
- Legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops based on the Swaminathan formula.
- Waiver of farm loans.
- Monthly pension of ₹10,000 for farmers above 60.
- India’s withdrawal from WTO.
- The debate on MSP:
- Supporters’ argument: MSP guarantees could promote crop diversification and fair pricing.
- Critics’ warning: It may backfire, leading to limited wheat and paddy procurement by the Centre, harming Punjab's agrarian economy.
Challenges in Unity and Governance of the Farmers’ Agitation:
- Fragmentation within farmer unions:
- SKM's non-participation due to past differences with Dallewal’s Bharatiya Kisan Union [Sidhupur (BKU)] and Sarwan Singh Pandher’s Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC).
- Speculation of discord arose when KMSC’s Sarwan Singh Pandher questioned Dallewal’s decision to negotiate.
- Political manipulation and policy gaps:
- Farmers are viewed as pawns in political agendas.
- Punjab lacks substantial progress in diversification, cold chain infrastructure, food processing units, or effective Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Impact of the Agitation:
- Public inconvenience:
- The protests led to border closures and disruptions, forcing commuters onto longer routes.
- Unlike the 2020-21 protests, this agitation created friction between farmers and urban dwellers.
- Struggles in achieving resolution:
- Despite earlier promises, such as MSP guarantees for pulses, little progress has been made.
- The upcoming talks on February 14 offer a critical opportunity for a resolution.
Conclusion:
- While the agitation has reignited discussions on MSP and agricultural reforms, a lasting solution requires political will, stakeholder unity, and reforms implemented with farmer consent.
- Punjab’s agricultural future hinges on addressing structural inefficiencies while safeguarding the interests of its farmers.
Q1) What is the National Policy Framework on agricultural marketing?
Ans. The National Policy Framework on agricultural marketing is a draft policy released by the Indian government aiming to build a vibrant marketing system where farmers can choose their preferred markets to get the best price for their produce.
Q2) What is the Swaminathan formula on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops?
Ans. One of the key recommendations made by the Swaminathan Commission was the adoption of the C2+50% formula (C2 is the actual cost of production) for determining the MSP for crops.
Q3) Why are effective Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) important for agricultural reforms in India?
Ans. Effective FPOs are crucial for agricultural reforms in India because they empower small and marginal farmers by providing them with collective bargaining power, access to better markets, economies of scale, etc.
Q4) Why are farmers demanding India’s withdrawal from WTO?
Ans. Farmers in India believe that the WTO's Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) is biased against developing nations like India, favoring developed countries with higher subsidies, and significantly harming their livelihoods by limiting the domestic support programs like MSP.
Q5) What was the role of peasants in the Indian freedom struggle?
Ans. The peasants were brought into the broader struggle against colonialism beginning with Champaran, Kheda and later Bardoli movement. They struggled against the unfair tax regimes and policies imposed by the British government.
Source:IE