Farmers protesting on the borders of Punjab and Haryana have made a big announcement of taking out a tractor march across the country on 26 January. This decision has been taken with the aim of putting pressure on the central government regarding its demands. The main demands of farmers include legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP).
Jagjit Singh Dallewal on hunger strike
- Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal is on an indefinite hunger strike at the Khanauri border of Punjab and Haryana since November 26.
- He has also rejected medical aid from the Punjab government.
- Farmers say that the government should find a solution to their problems soon.
Performance history and demands
- Farmers are protesting at Shambhu and Khanauri borders from 13 February 2024.
- The protest started when security forces stopped their march towards Delhi.
- Main demands:
- Legal guarantee of MSP.
- Transparency in procurement of crops.
- Protection against agricultural laws.
26 January 2021: Black day of tractor march
The farmers’ decision to take out a tractor march on January 26 is reminiscent of the protests in 2021.
- The protesters created a ruckus after reaching the Red Fort in Delhi.
- Events:
- Religious flags were hoisted on the walls of the Red Fort.
- There were incidents of violence and vandalism.
- These incidents raised questions on the direction of the movement.
Why is there protest?
- Three agricultural laws of 2020:
- The government had passed three agricultural laws, which were aimed at improving the agricultural sector.
- Farmers feared that these laws would benefit big business groups and cause losses to them.
- Farmers’ fears:
- Crop prices may fall due to the implementation of laws.
- Small farmers may come under pressure from big corporates.
- Government’s side:
- The government said that these laws are necessary to improve and modernize the agricultural sector.
- But farmers felt that this would put their economic security at risk.
Objective of the upcoming tractor march
- Objective of farmers:
- To put pressure on the government so that their demands are fulfilled soon.
- Ensuring legal guarantee of MSP.
- Message:
- Farmers are adamant on their demands and say that the government will have to show sensitivity and promptness.
What will be the next step of the government?
- Farmers’ tractors can become a big challenge before the March 2024 elections.
- The government will have to adopt the path of dialogue and solution to handle this situation.
