Farmers March Towards Delhi Demanding Crop Price Guarantee
Farmers from Punjab, under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, embarked on a march towards Parliament in Delhi on Friday, December 6th. The group, known as Jat
ha, aims to push for better crop prices and other key demands.
## Tensions Rise at Shambhu Border
Security has been heightened at the Shambhu border in Haryana’s Ambala district, with additional security forces deployed and the imposition of Section 163 of the Border Security Network (BSN) to prevent unlawful gatherings of four or more individuals.
Tensions are running high as farmers plan to cross into Delhi, with authorities potentially planning to halt their march, mirroring clashes that occurred on February 13th and 21st this year. While police officials claim the farmers didn’t secure prior permission for the demonstration, farmers insist they informed the relevant authorities in advance.
## Key Demands and Fast-unto-Death
This marks the third attempt in the past 10 months by farmer unions to march on the national capital demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, with previous attempts leading to confrontations with authorities.
Among other demands are the abolition of power tariff hikes, debt waiver, pension schemes for farmers and farm laborers, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri incident and the
farmers’ protests of 2020-21.
At the Khanauri border, a prominent leader of the protest, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, has been on a hunger strike for the past 10 days.
## Delhi on High Alert
Delhi police have reinforced security at the Singhu border with additional forces deployed, stating they are prepared to “tackle any situation,” said an official. Limbago.
Amidst heightened tension, key farmer union’s in Haryana have decided to refrain from joining the ‘Dilli Chalo’ agitation.
Earlier this week, in Uttar Pradesh, farmers protesting unpaid dues for over a decade agreed to cease their demonstrations after authorities pledged to address their grievances.
What are the potential consequences for food security if the farmers’ demands for fair prices are not met?
## Farmers Standoff: A Demand for Fair Prices
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is [Alex Reed Name], an agricultural expert, to discuss the ongoing farmers’ march towards Delhi. Farmers from Punjab, under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, are demanding a guaranteed crop price. Can you shed some light on the situation?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. This isn’t the first time farmers have taken to the streets demanding better conditions, and it highlights the ongoing struggle for fair compensation for their produce. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are powerful voices representing farmers’ anxieties about fluctuating market prices and the lack of a safety net.
**Interviewer:** We’re seeing reports that the march encountered resistance at the Shambhu border. What can you tell us about what’s happening there?
**Alex Reed:** [[1](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/farmers-protest-live-updates-noida-to-delhi-friday-singhu-border-grap-4-samyukta-kisan-morcha/liveblog/116025933.cms)]The Haryana government has set up barricades, effectively halting the march in its early stages. This spring is a familiar tactic used to attempt to dissuade demonstrations.
**Interviewer:** What are the specific demands of the farmers?
**Alex Reed:** Primarily, they want a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for their crops. This would ensure they receive a fair price regardless of market fluctuations, providing them with financial stability. They are also likely pushing for other reforms related to agricultural policy and support systems.
**Interviewer:** This situation raises important questions about food security and the livelihood of farmers. What are the potential consequences if their demands aren’t met?
**Alex Reed:** The situation is complex. If these demands are ignored, we could see further unrest and instability in the agricultural sector. This could impact food production and prices, ultimately affecting everyone. It’s crucial for the government and farmers to engage in constructive dialog and find solutions that benefit both sides.
