India's national capital is on alert as over 200 farmers' unions are coordinating a 'Delhi Chalo' march. Farmers are mobilizing from three neighboring states—Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.

In the new round of protests, farmers are asking for quick action on the Swaminathan Commission's suggestion and the passing of a law to ensure they get MSP, among other things.

As per reports, representatives of the protesting farmer groups met with ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Minda, and Nityananda Rai last week. The government announced that the committee appointed to review the farm laws will have its final report ready in a few months. However, protestors have insisted that a law guaranteeing MSP be enacted before February 13, 2024.

Here are some of the demands put forth by the farmer protest groups.

1. A law ensuring MSP

The protesters have demanded a law guaranteeing MSP, expressing concerns that the union government may revoke the policy in the future. However, data provided by the union government indicates that MSPs for the 22 crops covered have consistently risen year after year.

Wheat and paddy are two major crops extensively procured by the government. The MSP for paddy has seen a 61 percent increase, rising from Rs 1,360 per quintal in 2014-15 to Rs 2,183 per quintal in 2023-24. Similarly, the MSP for wheat has increased by 57 percent, climbing from Rs 1,450 per quintal in 2014-15 to Rs 2,275 per quintal in 2023-24.

2. Full Debt Forgiveness Demanded

The demand is for the implementation of a comprehensive debt relief program, which encompasses a complete waiver of debts for both farmers and labourers.

3. Monthly pensions to all farmers and agricultural labourers

Sarvan Singh Pandher of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee demands a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for farmers and labourers aged 60 and above. Despite this, the government provides support through schemes like PM-KiSaN, giving small and marginal farmers Rs 6,000 annually. Some states offer additional income support, such as Andhra Pradesh's Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, providing extra funds to farmers already benefiting from PM-KiSaN.

4- Land Acquisition Act of 2013

Experts suggest reintroducing the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 nationwide to ensure the written consent of farmland owners and compensation at four times the collector rates. However, they caution that increasing compensation could adversely impact the rural economy in the long term, making infrastructure construction in these areas excessively expensive for the government.

5- Withdraw from the World Trade Organization

Calls to cease all current free trade agreements and exit the World Trade Organization to protect Indian farmers' interests have been made. India has consistently raised concerns at the WTO regarding the negative impacts of blanket free trade agreements.

Countries like Canada and the United States have criticized India for ensuring MSP for crops like sugarcane and wheat, claiming it hampers their ability to market produce freely in India's vast market. US Congressmen have questioned the legality of Indian subsidies for rice, wheat, and cotton, alleging violations of WTO agreements.

6- Reject the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 to protect the interests of farmers and ensure equitable access to electricity.

Image source: WION News