The recent farmers’ march from Noida to Delhi on December 2, 2024, has thrown a sharp spotlight on the deepening crisis faced by farmers in India. Organized by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), this protest is not just a march for the streets but a desperate cry for justice, highlighting years of systemic neglect, broken promises, and unjust policies that have forced farmers to take to the streets yet again. While the march caused significant traffic disruptions, these temporary inconveniences pale in comparison to the long-term suffering and hardships faced by the farming community—hardships that the government has consistently failed to address.
A Desperate Call for Justice
The grievances driving the farmers to protest are not new. They have been brewing for years, stemming from unresolved issues surrounding land acquisition, inadequate compensation, and the failure of the government to implement farmer-friendly policies. Since late November, farmers have been mobilizing, with their numbers swelling to around 20,000 by November 28, demanding a fair share in the development that they have been sacrificed for. The farmers’ core demands are simple and just: 10% developed plots for those displaced by land acquisition, legal guarantees for Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), and the implementation of recommendations made by a state committee focused on farmer welfare.
These are not radical demands but basic rights that any citizen would expect from a government that claims to be “for the people.” Yet, despite promises made over the years, the government continues to sidestep these critical issues, forcing farmers to resort to such dramatic measures.
Land Acquisition and Broken Promises
One of the most pressing issues at the heart of the protest is land acquisition. Since the 2011 court ruling, farmers have been promised increased compensation and alternative plots for lands taken for industrial or infrastructural development. However, these promises have remained largely unfulfilled, with many farmers still waiting for compensation or suitable alternatives. The government’s failure to allocate the promised plots or compensate adequately has left many farmers in a state of financial distress, with no land to till and no means to support their families.
The development that displaces farmers should be a win-win scenario, benefiting both the economy and the people who contribute to it. Instead, the government’s approach has been one-sided—prioritizing urbanization and industrial growth at the expense of the very people who feed the nation. The farmers’ demand for a 10% share of developed plots is not an unreasonable request; it is simply a call for fairness, so that they can at least have a stake in the growth that has displaced them.
The Issue of MSPs: A Broken Safety Net
Another critical issue fueling the protests is the government’s failure to implement legal guarantees for Minimum Support Prices (MSPs). MSPs are meant to be a safety net for farmers, ensuring they are paid a fair price for their produce. However, in practice, the MSP system has been hollowed out. Farmers often find themselves selling their crops below MSPs, and in some cases, the government does not even buy the produce at the promised rates. This has led to widespread distress among farmers, who are left with little recourse to cover their costs, let alone make a profit.
The lack of a reliable, enforceable MSP policy has driven farmers into debt, with many resorting to suicide as a result of financial pressure. Yet, the government has failed to take meaningful steps to address this crisis, instead opting to ignore the issue or make empty promises during election seasons. The farmers’ demand for legal protections on MSPs is not just a plea for fair pricing—it is a demand for survival.
The Protest: A Reflection of Deepening Discontent
On December 2, as the farmers marched towards Delhi, the government’s response was predictable: heavy barricades, heightened security measures, and police deployments to prevent the protest from reaching the capital. Traffic jams and delays across major routes like the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and the DND Flyway were the immediate consequences. However, the government’s heavy-handed approach only served to underscore the extent to which it has ignored the plight of farmers. Instead of engaging in dialogue and finding solutions, the government chose to erect barricades, both literal and metaphorical, between itself and the very people who are the backbone of the nation.
When farmers attempted to breach barricades, it was not out of a desire to create chaos, but out of sheer frustration with a system that has failed to deliver on its promises. The government, instead of addressing their concerns, responded with force—deploying paramilitary units and anti-riot squads to maintain order. Yet, despite this, the protest leaders, in an effort to maintain peace, agreed to temporarily relocate to Ambedkar Park, giving the government a week’s time to address their demands. This decision shows the farmers’ willingness to engage in dialogue, but the question remains: will the government listen?
A Government in Denial
The farmers’ march is a clear indication that the government’s policies are out of touch with the realities faced by those working the land. The government’s failure to address land acquisition issues, its inability to implement MSP guarantees, and its general neglect of the agricultural sector are all part of a pattern of disregard for the needs of farmers. The recent protests are a direct result of this neglect and a reminder that the government can no longer ignore the cries of those who grow the food that sustains the country.
The reality is that the government has long favored urbanization and industrial growth over the welfare of farmers. As cities expand and industries flourish, the government has failed to ensure that farmers—who bear the brunt of land acquisition—are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. The protests in Delhi are not just about land or MSPs; they are a broader cry for justice, for recognition, and for a fair share in the development that is taking place at their expense.
Time For Change
The farmers’ march from Noida to Delhi is a wake-up call for the government. It is an urgent reminder that policies designed without the consultation or consideration of the people who are most affected are doomed to fail. The government must act now to address the legitimate concerns of farmers and ensure that they are treated fairly. The farmers’ demands are not radical—they are simply the calls of a community that has been systematically ignored and marginalized for too long. It is high time that the government listens, respects their rights, and makes real changes to support the agricultural sector. Only then can we hope for a just and sustainable future for farmers in India.
