Farmers' body plans to renew protest against Centre; MSP as per Swaminathan formula, scrapping India-US FTA talks among key demands
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Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), the national level coalition of farmer organisations that forced the central government to repeal the three farm laws it had enacted in 2020, is preparing for another major agitation – this time against the Centre’s proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with India’s biggest trade partner, the United States.
The All India Convention of the umbrella platform of the farmer associations held in Delhi on July 28 called for national level campaigns and rallies against the Centre’s policy of fast tracking FTAs.
“As far agriculture is concerned, FTAs are going to import cheap crops and agri products, further erode agricultural viability, capture food processing markets and further change cropping patterns to damage food self-reliance," SKM declaration said.
It demanded that the government enact a law guaranteeing the procurement of all crops and a Minimum Support Price (MSP) based on the C2+50% formula recommended by M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman of the National Farmer’s Commission in 2006.
Comprehensive farm loan waiver, scrapping of the four Labour Codes introduced by the government, restoration of job guarantee scheme MGNREGA in its original format, withdrawal of Electricity Privatisation Bill 2025, the Seed Bill 2025, and the NFSA Amendment Bill etc are among the key demands of the farmers’ body.
SKM is also opposing foreign direct investment (FDI) in agriculture, food processing and exporting sectors. It seeks government intervention to end scarcity and black marketing of food items and control the prices of fertilizer, fuel, petrol, and diesel by reinstating subsidies. Crop and livestock insurance in the public sector, adequate funds for transparent and effective flood / drought disaster relief etc is another set of demands.
SKM has urged its member organisations to hold State Conventions in the next two months for preparation of a long haul of independent as well as coordinated struggles against the government policies.
On August 17, a delegation of SKM leaders will submit their charter of demands to the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, Chief Ministers, Leader of Opposition at the State level, Members of Parliament, and Members of Assemblies, demanding favourable action on the principal demands. SKM has proposed farmer rallies and multiple day mass action starting November 26 in 100 spots across the country, including the National Capital Territory of Delhi.