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On January 26th, 2025, widespread farmer protests erupted across Punjab and Haryana, India. These demonstrations, taking the form of large-scale tractor parades, were organized in response to the recently released draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM). The protests, coordinated by various organizations including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), Samyukt Kisan Morcha-Non-Political (SKM-NP), and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), represent a significant show of farmer dissent against the government's proposed agricultural policy changes.
The NPFAM draft has ignited fierce opposition among farming communities, who view it as a direct threat to their livelihoods and the existing agricultural support structures. The central concern revolves around the perceived dismantling of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, a crucial safety net for farmers that guarantees a minimum price for their produce. The farmers fear that the NPFAM will lead to the deregulation of agricultural markets, exposing them to the vagaries of fluctuating market prices and leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by large corporations.
Beyond the MSP issue, the protests also highlight broader concerns about farmer indebtedness and the impact of pro-corporate labor codes. Farmers are demanding a comprehensive debt waiver to alleviate the crippling financial burdens many are facing. The newly introduced labor codes are also viewed with suspicion, with farmers fearing they will further weaken their bargaining power and make them more susceptible to exploitation. The protests underscore the farmers' deep-seated anxieties about the government's economic policies and their perceived lack of consideration for the needs of the rural population.
The scale of the protests is noteworthy. Tractor parades were held at the subdivision level across both states, indicating a widespread and organized mobilization of farmers. The involvement of central trade unions further amplified the scope and impact of the demonstrations, signifying a broader alliance against the NPFAM draft. The protests highlight the deep-seated resentment among farmers and their determination to resist what they perceive as an attack on their rights and livelihoods.
Statements from farmer leaders paint a vivid picture of the concerns motivating the protests. Inderjit Singh, Kisan Sabha vice-president and SKM leader, described the NPFAM as a reincarnation of the three contentious farm laws repealed in 2021 after significant farmer pressure. He argued that the draft represents an attack on the state's rights and a move to dismantle the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act, a system established in 1939 to protect farmers from exploitation. He voiced strong opposition to the government's plans to dismantle the existing mandis (agricultural markets), emphasizing their importance to farmers' well-being.
The protests were largely peaceful, though they disrupted traffic and commerce in some areas. In Amritsar, for example, farmers parked their tractors outside shopping malls and retail outlets, while in other parts of the state, national highways were blocked. The SKM's announced plan for a sustained and escalated campaign signals a commitment to maintaining pressure on the government until the NPFAM draft is withdrawn. This includes establishing 'pucca morchas' (permanent protest sites) at various levels across the country. The organization has also appealed for broader political support in its fight against the policy.
The significance of these protests extends beyond the immediate concerns surrounding the NPFAM. They reflect a broader pattern of growing discontent among India's farming communities, who have repeatedly expressed their frustrations over agricultural policies and their impact on their livelihoods. The protests serve as a stark reminder of the critical importance of addressing the concerns of rural communities and finding sustainable solutions to ensure the well-being of farmers, who form the backbone of India's agricultural sector. The outcome of this conflict will significantly shape the future of agricultural policy in India and the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
The current protests are likely to influence not only the specifics of the NPFAM but also the broader approach the government takes towards agricultural policy. The extent of the mobilization, the unity demonstrated across different organizations, and the clear articulation of concerns have placed significant pressure on the government to reconsider its approach. Further negotiations and potential compromises are highly likely as the government seeks to navigate the complexities of balancing economic growth with the needs and concerns of the farming community. The coming months will be critical in determining the trajectory of agricultural policy in India and the long-term consequences for its farmers.
Source: Farmers organise tractor parades in Punjab and Haryana against NPFAM draft