The current farmer agitation is one of the major protests. It is an unprecedented protest which includes the participation of 12 million farmers and 14 million truck drivers.
It is a matter of great public concern that many rounds of talks and the seize around the nations capital borders have remained inconclusive. Many national celebrities from various fields have decided to return their state honours in a show of solidarity with the agitating farmers. The farmers fear that the gains of the new farm laws would not percolate down to them. And have expressed fears they may lose their negotiating power to the large corporates.
By pushing these laws in haste, the Government has lost out on the virtues of consensus. It could have ensured the acceptance of its policies had it addressed the angst of the farmers.
The central Government claims that farmers will have unfettered freedom to sell their produce at higher prices in any market in India hereafter under the new legislation but the farmers fear of corporates dictating procurement terms is not altogether unfounded. With the dismantling of APMC Mandi’s and the government having no power to keep a watchful eye on the deals being struck between farmers and traders, there seems to be a greater possibility of farmers being exploited by the heavy cartelised corporate giants. Also, state governments stand to lose the revenue from the APMCs which fund the various farmers-related Welfare measures. The farmers proved that they cannot be fooled easily. And that they are aware of the nexus between the government and these corporates. Farmers feel that the major benefactors of these farm bills will Adani and Ambani's, who are known to be quite friendly with Prime Minister Modi and the ruling dispensation. Adani, for that matter, is an expert in using political connections for business advantages. He also did that in Australia in ways that made the public put up placards saying “stop Adani.” India is different since Modi came to power. Adani's net worth increased 121% per cent to more than $26 billion by getting government tenders to build infrastructure projects.
The unloved question here is how to ensure that the reforms do not lead to monopoly or cartelisation. Equally important is the issue of federalism as Agriculture as such, is a state subject. The states play a crucial role in this sector, but they have been scarcely involved in the passing of agriculture laws.
Farmers have always borne the brunt of the natural calamities like floods, drought. And they labour endlessly in inclement weather. It's a pity that these annadatas themselves have to sit on roads to get their voice heard.
