In recent months, farmers from Punjab have once again mobilized, voicing their concerns and pressing for a range of demands to address the numerous challenges faced by the agricultural community in the state and across India. These demands reflect not only the immediate issues that farmers are grappling with but also the expression of broader systemic concerns related to land rights, agricultural policies, and the economic well-being of rural communities. Here’s a detailed look at the key demands being made by Punjab’s protesting farmers:
1. Guaranteed Purchase of Crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP)
One of the central demands of the Punjab farmers is a legally binding guarantee for the procurement of all crops at a Minimum Support Price (MSP). The farmers are demanding that the MSP be set by the recommendations of the Dr. Swaminathan Commission, which called for MSP to be fixed at 50% above the cost of production. The absence of legal guarantees for MSP has been a long-standing grievance among farmers, as it often leads to distress sales, where farmers are forced to sell their produce at prices lower than the cost of cultivation.
2. Debt Waiver for Farmers and Laborer’s
Farmers in Punjab, like those across the country, are struggling with crippling debt. Many farmers have turned to loans from banks, cooperative societies, and informal lenders, often falling into cycles of indebtedness. The demands include a complete debt waiver for farmers and agricultural laborers, who have been burdened by mounting loans, interest rates, and an overall lack of financial security.
3. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013
The Punjab farmers are calling for the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, which they believe should be enforced across the nation. This law ensures that land can only be acquired with the written consent of farmers and mandates that compensation be at least four times the market rate (as determined by the collector’s rate). Farmers are concerned about the growing trend of land acquisitions for industrial or infrastructural projects that often disregard their rights.
4. Justice for Victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri Violence
The farmers are demanding justice for the victims of the violent incident that occurred in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, in October 2021. The violence, which took place during farmers’ protests against the controversial farm laws, resulted in the deaths of several farmers. Protestors are calling for punishment of the perpetrators involved and for the victims’ families to receive proper compensation.
5. Withdrawal from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Suspension of Free Trade Agreements
A more radical demand from the protesting farmers is for India to withdraw from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to suspend all ongoing free trade agreements. Farmers argue that international trade agreements, particularly those with developed countries, have led to the exploitation of Indian agriculture, exposing farmers to unfair competition and putting their livelihoods at risk. They view these trade agreements as harmful to India’s food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
6. Pension for Farmers and Agricultural Laborer’s
Another critical demand is the provision of a pension for farmers and agricultural laborer’s. The farmers argue that agriculture is a high-risk, low-return profession, and a pension would ensure that farmers can have a livelihood post-retirement, providing them with financial security in their old age.
7. Compensation for Farmers Who Died During the Protest
More than 750 farmers lost their lives during the protests against the farm laws that were later repealed. While the Punjab government has provided compensation to many of the families, the farmers are demanding that the central government also offer compensation and government jobs to the families of the deceased. This demand seeks to honor the sacrifices made by the farmers during their fight for justice and repeal of the controversial laws.
8. Repeal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020
The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020, is another point of contention. Farmers argue that the Bill could increase electricity tariffs for farmers, particularly those in the agricultural sector who rely heavily on subsidized power for irrigation. The protestors are demanding the repeal of this Bill to ensure that the interests of farmers are not undermined by higher energy costs.
9. Enhancing MGNREGA Employment and Wages
The farmers are calling for an increase in employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Specifically, they are seeking 200 days of employment per year with a daily wage of Rs. 700. Additionally, they want MGNREGA to be linked with agriculture to provide additional support during the lean agricultural seasons.
10. Strict Penalties for Fake Seed and Pesticide Manufacturers
Farmers have expressed concern over the quality of seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers being sold in the market. They are demanding strict penalties for companies producing fake or substandard agricultural inputs, which have led to crop failures, poor yields, and increased costs for farmers. The call for measures to improve seed quality is part of their demand for a more robust agricultural support system.
11. Establishment of a National Commission for Spices
Another demand is the establishment of a National Commission for spices like chili, turmeric, and other essential crops. The farmers argue that spices, a significant agricultural commodity in Punjab, do not receive adequate attention in policy-making, and such a commission would address the unique challenges these crops face.
12. Implementation of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution
The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the protection of tribal rights over land, water, and forests. Farmers are calling for its full implementation to ensure the rights of tribal communities are safeguarded and to prevent the exploitation of tribal lands by corporate interests.
13. Justice for Shubhkaran Singh
Farmers are also demanding justice for Shubhkaran Singh, who was killed in February 2023 during a confrontation with Haryana security forces at the Khanauri border. Singh’s death occurred when farmers were trying to march to Delhi in protest. The farmers are calling for accountability for the security personnel involved in the incident.
14. Opposition to National Policy Framework for Agriculture Marketing
The Punjab farmers have expressed strong opposition to the National Policy Framework for Agriculture Marketing. They believe this policy is an attempt to implement the farm laws that were repealed in 2021 through indirect means. The farmers claim that this framework would undermine the MSP system and further expose farmers to market forces that are often skewed against them.
Conclusion
The demands of the Punjab farmers are wide-ranging and reflect the complex issues facing India’s agricultural sector. From securing MSP and improving financial conditions through debt waivers to ensuring legal protections for land and fair compensation for victims of violence, these demands address both immediate needs and long-term solutions for sustainable agriculture. While the Indian government has taken steps to address some of these issues, the farmers remain firm in their demands, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive agricultural reforms that are farmer-centric and focused on improving the livelihoods of those who form the backbone of India’s rural economy. The outcome of these protests will likely have significant implications for agricultural policy and rural development in the country.