Farmers in India are protesting in 2024 primarily due to allegations that the government has failed to uphold commitments made during earlier protests and has not addressed concerns regarding their income. These renewed demonstrations reflect a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current agricultural policies and their implementation.
Key Reasons for the Protests
The core grievances driving the farmers' protests stem from two main areas:
- Unfulfilled Promises: A primary reason for the current unrest is the farmers' assertion that the government has not delivered on promises made during the significant protests of 2020–2021. While the specific details of these unfulfilled promises are broad, they generally relate to agricultural reforms, guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP), and other welfare measures.
- Failure to Double Incomes: Farmers also blame the government for not making sufficient efforts to double their incomes. This long-standing goal has been a key aspiration for the agricultural sector, aiming to improve the economic well-being of millions of farmers across the country. The perceived lack of progress on this front fuels much of the current dissatisfaction.
The Role of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM)
The current wave of protests, including a notable statewide rural and industrial strike, has been organized by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). This umbrella body of farmer unions plays a crucial role in mobilizing farmers and articulating their demands, aiming to exert pressure on the government to address their concerns. Their collective action underscores the widespread displeasure with the government's approach to agricultural issues.
These protests highlight the ongoing challenges within India's agricultural sector and the persistent demands of farmers for better economic conditions and governmental accountability.
