Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Indian agricultural sector has witnessed several waves of farmers’ movements, historically focused on issues like tenancy rights and fair prices. However, the contemporary phase, often termed the ‘neo-farmers’ movement’, represents a shift in both the nature of grievances and the modes of protest. Characterized by increased visibility in national media, a broader coalition of farmers, and the utilization of digital platforms, these movements reflect a deepening agrarian crisis exacerbated by neoliberal policies, climate change, and perceived governmental apathy. The 2020-21 protests against the Farm Acts exemplify this new dynamic, marking a significant moment in Indian social and political history.
Drivers of the Neo-Farmers’ Movement
Several interconnected factors fuel the contemporary farmers’ movements:
- Agrarian Distress: Declining agricultural incomes, rising input costs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides), and increasing debt burdens are central to the crisis. According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 70th round (2013), about 52% of agricultural households are indebted.
- Policy Failures: The liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s, while boosting overall growth, led to reduced public investment in agriculture, weakening of the public procurement system, and increased vulnerability to market fluctuations.
- Climate Change: Erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, and floods are increasingly impacting agricultural productivity, leading to crop failures and economic hardship.
- Land Acquisition Issues: The pursuit of industrialization and infrastructure development often leads to land acquisition, displacing farmers and disrupting their livelihoods. The Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, while aiming to protect farmers, has faced implementation challenges.
- Corporate Influence: Concerns over the increasing influence of large corporations in the agricultural sector, particularly in seed and fertilizer markets, contribute to farmers’ anxieties.
Characteristics of the Neo-Farmers’ Movement
The neo-farmers’ movement exhibits distinct characteristics:
- Broad-Based Coalition: Unlike earlier movements often confined to specific regions or crop producers, the contemporary movements involve farmers from diverse backgrounds and regions, forging a pan-Indian alliance.
- Role of Farmer Organizations: Organizations like the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) have played a crucial role in mobilizing farmers and articulating their demands.
- Use of Digital Media: Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp have been extensively used to disseminate information, mobilize support, and counter government narratives.
- Non-violent Protest Methods: The movements largely rely on peaceful methods of protest, including demonstrations, sit-ins (dharnas), road blockades, and long marches (padyatras).
- Demands: Key demands include guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, loan waivers, withdrawal of cases against farmers, and protection of land rights.
The 2020-21 Farm Protests: A Case Study
The protests against the Farm Acts of 2020 were a watershed moment. The Acts aimed to liberalize agricultural markets, but farmers feared they would undermine the MSP system and leave them vulnerable to exploitation by private corporations. The protests, primarily centered around Delhi’s borders, lasted for over a year and involved hundreds of thousands of farmers. The government eventually repealed the Acts in November 2021, demonstrating the power of collective action.
| Farm Acts (2020) | Farmers’ Concerns |
|---|---|
| Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act | Undermining of APMC markets and MSP system. |
| Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act | Lack of legal recourse for farmers in contract farming disputes. |
| Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act | Stockpiling by private companies leading to price manipulation. |
Conclusion
The neo-farmers’ movement in contemporary India represents a significant expression of agrarian discontent and a demand for a more equitable and sustainable agricultural policy. While the repeal of the Farm Acts was a victory for the protestors, the underlying issues of agrarian distress, climate change, and corporate influence remain unresolved. Future movements are likely to focus on securing a legal guarantee for MSP, addressing climate vulnerabilities, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. A proactive and responsive policy framework is crucial to address the concerns of the farming community and ensure the long-term viability of Indian agriculture.
Answer Length
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