Why are thousands of farmers protesting in Delhi again?

Some farmers and trade unions called for a countrywide rural strike on Friday as the farmers' protest enters day four.

Published on: Feb 16, 2024 10:24 PM IST

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Published on Feb 16, 2024 10:24 PM

In a revival of past protests, thousands of farmers marched towards New Delhi earlier this week. However, their efforts so far have been blocked by authorities, who have used tear gas, detained a number of farmers, and heavily barricaded entry points into the capital.  (HT Photo/Ravi Kumar)

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The main demand of farmers' unions is to expand the minimum support prices (MSP) to cover all crops, aiming to protect them from market fluctuations. (ANI)

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They are advocating for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's formula to ensure that they receive fair and remunerative prices for their crops.  (ANI)

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Farmer leaders have expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding legal guarantees for the minimum support price (MSP).  (AFP)

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The Modi government had promised to consider this demand after the last farmer protests in 2021. However, unions claim that no action has been taken on this front since then.  (ANI)

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In addition, the farmers are demanding the dropping of criminal charges against union leaders related to the previous protests. They are also seeking a monthly pension of $120 for farmers who are over 60 years old.  (HT Photo/Ravi Kumar)

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They are also seeking debt relief, India's withdrawal from the World Trade Organization and free trade agreements, and assurances that existing subsidies, including free electricity, will continue.  (HT Photo/Ravi Kumar)

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They want the government to double the number of work days under the rural employment guarantee scheme to 200.  (HT Photo/Ravi Kumar)

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In 2020, farmers protested against three laws at Delhi borders, leading to their repeal in 2021. These laws were -- The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act.  (AP)

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This time, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have announced farmers' protest. (AP)