A month-long protest by farmers in India is intensifying, after thousands gathered in the capital demanding more state support and guaranteed crop prices. They accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of failing to honor commitments to bring in reforms, after similar protests two years ago.

New Delhi

Farmers in India have been actively protesting for a month, with the intensity of their demonstration increasing as thousands converged in New Delhi. The core of their demands revolves around seeking greater support from the state and the establishment of guaranteed prices for their crops. This movement comes in response to what the farmers perceive as the failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to fulfill promises of agricultural reforms agreed upon following similar protests that took place two years prior.

The protests underscore a deepening crisis in the agricultural sector, with farmers expressing significant dissatisfaction towards the current government's policies. By rallying in the capital, they aim to draw national and international attention to their plight and pressurize the government into taking concrete actions. The farmers' demands for guaranteed crop prices are situated within a broader context of seeking stability and security in their livelihoods, which they believe the government has compromised.



Farmers rally in New Delhi demanding guaranteed crop prices 

Farmers from northern India gather in the capital, New Delhi. They're angry their month-long protest calling for government intervention to improve their livelihoods hasn't led to results. But they're not backing down. They want what they say was promised to them two years ago. During the previous protests, the government made several promises, including the introduction of minimum crop support prices, help with electricity bills and loan waivers. But they have done nothing. The farmers say rising input costs are eating into what little profits they're able to make. And they're crippled by debt. The Modi government has increased the price of electricity. They are looting after installing smart meters. They should provide free electricity to farmers and stop increasing electricity charges. A heavy police presence monitors the 5,000 protesters given permission to gather in the capital. The driving force behind the mass action, the All India Farmers Union, is unequivocal in its demands. We are also giving a call to the farmers of India, to the workers of India to rally, unite to defeat this pro-corporate and communal government once and for all. Farmers are hoping their actions will have greater effect in the run-up to a general election scheduled to take place within weeks. We will boycott and vote in protest against Modi. We will vote for those who support farmers. All farmers should protest against the prime minister all across the country. If the politicians are scared of anything, it is the vote of the people. In February, union leaders and the government held four rounds of talks. But after failing to reach a breakthrough, further mass demonstrations are scheduled for the end of March. Mike Lapple, Al Jazeera.

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