Farmers Rally in Lucknow to build Pressure on PM Modi

After PM Narendra Modi caved into demands for the three farm laws to be repealed, Indian farmers held a mass rally today to demand that minimum support prices not just for rice and wheat but to be extended to all produce.

Farmer protest has become one of the most serious political challenges to the BJP government, resulting in PM Modi making a surprise commitment on Friday to roll back the three agricultural laws.

Since late 2020, thousands of farmers have camped on the outskirts of New Delhi as part of a mass agitation to pressurise the BJP Government into rolling back the reforms.

After the announcement, leaders of the movement immediately warned that the protests would continue until the government gave in writing to introduce a law that would guarantee MSP for all crops.

Till now, the government only buys rice and wheat at guaranteed Minimum Support Prices, but the net benefits barely 6 per cent of India's millions of farmers.

The main farmers' body Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) said: "Minimum Support Price, based on the comprehensive cost of production, should be made a legal entitlement of all farmers (and) for all agricultural produce."

Farmers also demanded for the federal government to withdraw a draft electricity bill, that they fear would lead to state governments withdrawing their right to free or subsidised power, used mainly for irrigation.

The northern state of Punjab gives free electricity to the agriculture sector, while some states subsidise power to farmers.

Farmers have also asked the government to drop fines and penalties for burning their fields after harvesting to remove stalk and chaff. The smoke has become a major source of air pollution in Delhi..