Farmers’ protest in Delhi: All you need to know

In a revival of the farmers’ agitation, ‘Delhi Chalo’ is underway, spearheaded by over 250 farmers’ unions from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Dissatisfied with inconclusive talks with union ministers on Monday, the protesters, organised under the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political), are en route to Delhi after nearly two years since the 2020 protest.

Who are the farmers’ unions leading the protest?

250 farmers’ unions lead the 2024 protest under Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and non-political Samyukta Kisan Morcha. Distinct from the 2020 protesters, the non-political Samyukta Kisan Morcha faction is led by Jagjit Singh Dallewal, president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Sidhupur farm union.

What do the farmers want?

— Legal guarantees for the minimum support price (MSP) and adherence to the Dr MS Swaminathan Commission’s report on crop pricing.

— Full debt waiver for farmers and labourers.

— Implementation of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 with provisions for farmers’ written consent and compensation at four times the collector rate.

— Punishment for perpetrators of the October 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri killings.

— Withdrawal from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and a freeze on all free trade agreements.

— Pensions for farmers and farm labourers.

— Compensation for those who died during the Delhi protest, including a job for a family member.

— Scrapping of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020.

— Increase in MGNREGA employment to 200 days per year, daily wage of Rs 700, linked with farming.

— Strict penalties on companies producing fake seeds, pesticides, fertilizers, and improvements in seed quality.

— Establishment of a national commission for spices such as chilli and turmeric.