(Disclaimer: La Tonique Media LLC does not represent any political ideology. While we do not espouse any political beliefs, we do seek to provide a balance perspective by incorporating voices from both sides of the political spectrum.)

By Elaine Sanderson

In recent months, thousands of farmers have been protesting against new laws in India. Farmers have claimed the new legislation was drafted without their consultation and at their expense. According to Forbes, the new laws mean farmers can now:

1. Trade in an ‘outside trade area’ such as factory premises and farm gates. Buy and sell grain outside their designated Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC). The APMC is a marketing board ensuring farmers are not forced to sell their produce at an extremely low price. 

2. Enter into contracts with firms to sell their harvest

3. Stockpile grain without being prosecuted for hoarding

The laws lift regulations on where farmers can sell their crops and who they sell them to. Ultimately, these laws snub governmental intervention in favour of private investors. Although this initially looks like farmers have been awarded a new set of freedoms, they argue that it allows the government to favour large corporations. In an already ailing economy, the legislation could be detrimental to farmers’ incomes. 

Out of a population of more than 1.3 billion people, around 58% rely on the agriculture sector to make a living. When COVID-19 first struck India, those working in the urban sector dealt with large losses of money as a strict national lockdown was implemented. As their financial situations became dire, it wasn’t long before thousands of workers were fleeing back to their rural villages. An increase in those relying on the agriculture industry for their livelihoods was a direct result. The farmers say that the Parliamentary enacted laws directly threaten these livelihoods.

The laws have been described as a “death warrant” for farmers. It is common for farmers in India to face large debts, and these debts are growing rather than shrinking. Federal and state governments have implemented various financial schemes over the years to relieve some of the pressure; however, there is no sign of their plight being over. In India, the agriculture sector accounts for 7.4% of all suicides. Small-scale farmers often borrow money and turn to suicide when crops fail. 

In 2016, Modi promised he would double farmers’ incomes by 2022. Yet with the new laws, doubt has been cast over the party’s pledge. The farmers believe the new practices will reduce the amount they get paid for produce. With the new reforms, there is concern that the guaranteed price system (MSP) will be taken away. Although the government has denied this, the farmers say that their denial is no promise.

In a bid to appeal to the government, farmers decided to march to Delhi. However, they were confronted by police and refused entry into the capital. Instead of a peaceful welcome, the farmers faced water cannons and tear gas. Stone-pelting took place and barricades were destroyed as the chaos continued between the police and protestors. 

As of January, medical tents and gyms have been constructed amongst the thousands of tents protestors are calling temporary homes. BBC Hindi's Dilnawaz Pasha who is with the farmers near the Delhi-Haryana border said, "They are travelling with trolleys full of rice and grains and are cooking their own food. They say they're ready for a long battle."

Since the protests started in August, several talks between the farmers union and the authorities have failed. As the government refuses to repeal the laws and the farmers refuse to leave unless that action is taken, both sides find themselves at a loss. 

On Jan. 11, 2021, a hearing will be conducted by the Supreme Court. On Jan. 15, talks will resume after the eighth round of negotiations failed. The government has said that they are prepared to follow the suggested guidance of the Supreme Court. 

Elaine is a political writer for La Tonique. You can follow Elaine on Twitter @sando_99.