India: India Farmer Demonstrations Continue Against Historic Agricultural Market Reforms

Commencing November 26, 2020, thousands of protestors from the northern Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh have protested on the outskirts of the Delhi national capital region. Led by an array of farmer groups under the label of a United Farmers' Front (Samyukta Kisan Morcha), protestors are demonstrating against three farm laws (bills) passed by the Rajya Sabha (upper house) on September 20, 2020. The Government of India (GOI) has defended the farm legislations, claiming the reforms will transform Indian agriculture and attract private investment. Many agricultural stakeholders reportedly welcome the reforms, which may fundamentally restructure India’s agriculture market systems. However, farmer agitations against the new farm laws have intensified in certain regions and have garnered international attention.

India: India Farmer Demonstrations Continue Against Historic Agricultural Market Reforms