Daniel Webster has rightly said ,”When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers , therefore , are the founders of human civilization.” The Indian Economy is agriculturally dominated. Agriculture plays an integral role in the Indian employment generation as nearly 60% of the population depends upon Agriculture for their livelihood. The Green Revolution in the 1960’s is primarily responsible for the huge dependence of the Indian Population on Agriculture and its related activities. This is the reason, India is often referred to as an Agricultural Nation. Thus , due to its humongous importance, even a small change in its functioning can leave a major impact upon the functioning of the Indian Economy.

The Indian Union Government , on September 20th 2020 , passed the Indian Farm reforms of 2020 , referred to as a watershed moment in the Indian History , by the Prime Minister himself. The reforms seek to provide farmers multiple marketing channels and a legal framework to allow them to enter into contract with big firms and private retailers. These laws intend to help small and marginal farmers so that they can get better prices for their produce who do not have the capital to improve their produce. The laws now allow farmers to sell outside ‘mandis’ and increase their profit margin by cost cutting on transportation.

But despite of all the promises and provisions given under these bills , the reforms have created a stir in the Indian Agriculture sector. Farmers fear that the new laws sanctioned by the government will dismantle MSP (Minimum Support Price) provided by the Government. MSP is the price set on an agricultural product by the government for direct purchase from the farmer. This safeguards the profit of the farmer and gives them incentive to grow the particular crop. The Farmers also fear that over a long run , big corporate houses will dictate and they will get less for their produce.

These bills have faced a mass agitation as farmers from various states have come on streets to protest against these anti-farmer bills. Farmers have received huge support from the opposition parties as well as from various influential people who have come up and taken their stand against the bills. Farmers have thronged upon the highways and streets as thousands have blocked the borders of the National Capital as part of their famous “Dilli Chalo” march. They want their demands to be heeded by the Central Government.

The Farmers want the laws to be taken back. They are also willing to settle for a legal assurance of MSP system to continue. The farmers also want withdrawal of Electricity amendment bill fearing it will subsequently end subsidised electricity. They also want stubble burning rule to be abolished.

The Central Government is in no mood to concede such demands. The recent talks between the two groups have yielded no results. The protests have not died down either even after more than 20 days. Nationwide strikes have been called by the farmers in order to make their stand clear and persuade the government to concede to their demands. We all should hope that this matter gets resolved at the earliest as “Farmers are the Lifelines of the Country.”