Thousands of farmers staged a protest in India’s capital on Thursday, intensifying their demand for a new law ensuring minimum crop prices. This demonstration follows weeks of being blocked from entering the city.
Facing barricaded highways and stringent conditions set by authorities, the protesters opted for crowded buses and trains instead of their tractors to reach New Delhi. Highways leading into the capital were obstructed with cement blocks and barbed wire, prompting police to prohibit the use of farm vehicles for the rally. Additionally, participants were forbidden from carrying sticks or swords to prevent clashes with law enforcement.
Organized by the United Farmers Front, the rally took place at Ramlila Ground, a venue typically utilized for religious ceremonies, significant political gatherings, and entertainment events. Police imposed a limit of 5,000 participants for the rally, which was scheduled to conclude later in the day.
Protesters displayed placards advocating for free electricity for farming and voiced concerns about the absence of minimum price guarantees for their crops, which they argued would render them vulnerable to market fluctuations, particularly affecting small-scale farmers who own less than 1 hectare of land.
Chitwant Singh, one of the protesters, lamented that farmers struggle to cover their costs, alleging that traders and middlemen reap most of the profits.
These protests coincide with a crucial period for India, with national elections scheduled for April-May, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party is expected to seek a third consecutive term. Farmers wield significant political influence due to their large numbers, as over 60% of India’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods.
In addition to demanding minimum crop prices, farmers are urging the government to fulfill promises made to waive loans and withdraw legal cases stemming from earlier protests in 2021. Despite several rounds of talks, negotiations have failed to break the deadlock.
Meanwhile, in the town of Shambhu, located approximately 200 kilometers from the capital, thousands of farmers have been protesting since February 13. Authorities have fortified highways leading to New Delhi to prevent their entry, resulting in clashes between farmers and police, leaving one protester dead and injuring 12 officers.
The current demonstrations echo similar protests two years ago when tens of thousands of farmers camped on the outskirts of New Delhi for months, prompting Modi’s government to repeal new agriculture laws. Protest organizers are advocating for legislation guaranteeing minimum prices for 23 crops to stabilize farmers’ incomes, citing the existing system introduced in the 1960s, which offers minimum prices for rice and wheat but excludes many other crops.