- Farmers conducted tractor parades across Punjab on Republic Day under the SKM banner.
- Key demands include legal guarantees for MSP, debt waivers, and withdrawal of agriculture policies.
- Parallel protests by KMM targeted corporate-owned malls and silos to support small traders.
- Talks with the government are scheduled for February 14 in Chandigarh.
- SKM leaders warned of nationwide agitation if demands are not met.
Farmers from various organizations, led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), organized tractor parades across Punjab on India’s 76th Republic Day. These demonstrations were aimed at drawing attention to unresolved demands such as a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and debt relief for farmers.
The tractor parades were held at district and sub-division levels, with farmers prominently displaying black flags on their vehicles. Senior leaders of SKM joined the marches to reiterate the urgency of their demands. SKM had earlier called on farmers nationwide to participate in similar parades on Republic Day.
Farmers’ Demands in Focus
Farmers under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) banner have been advocating for several key demands to address long-standing issues in the agricultural sector.
Among their primary concerns is the need for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) based on the C2 + 50% formula, which was recommended by the Swaminathan Committee.
They have also called for comprehensive loan waivers for both farmers and agricultural workers to alleviate the burden of debt.
Another critical demand involves the withdrawal of the National Policy Framework on Agriculture Marketing (NPFAM), which farmers argue undermines their rights and autonomy.
Additionally, they have sought the reversal of electricity privatization policies, which they believe disproportionately affect the farming community.
Relief for small and marginal farmers through debt waivers is also central to their agenda.
In a statement issued ahead of the Republic Day marches, the SKM emphasized the need for a massive and determined nationwide struggle. The statement noted that this movement must surpass the historic farmers’ protest at the Delhi Borders in 2020-21 in terms of participation, intensity, and its pan-India scope.
Parallel Protests by KMM and SKM (Non-Political)
Simultaneously, the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and SKM (Non-Political) carried out protests at various locations in Punjab.
Farmers affiliated with these groups parked their tractors outside corporate-owned shopping malls and silos to show solidarity with small traders and businessmen.
KMM leaders emphasized that these protests aimed to highlight the growing marginalization of small traders by large corporate entities. They also expressed support for Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a senior SKM (Non-Political) leader who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 26, 2024, over farmers’ demands.
Government Talks Scheduled
In a recent development, a high-level delegation of the Central government, led by Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, extended an invitation to SKM (Non-Political) and KMM leaders for talks.
The meeting is scheduled for February 14, 2025, in Chandigarh, and will focus on the unresolved demands, particularly the controversial NPFAM policy.
Despite the government’s invitation, Dallewal has continued his hunger strike, even as he receives medical aid.
“Until there is concrete action on our demands, we cannot end our protest,” Dallewal stated.
In response to the government’s outreach, SKM announced the formation of a six-member coordination committee.
This committee aims to align efforts with SKM (Non-Political) and KMM, provided there is “issue-based unity on the demands, especially on NPFAM.”
A meeting between these groups is planned for February 12, 2025, in Chandigarh.
Warning of Larger Agitations
While addressing reporters in Mohali and Samrala, senior SKM leaders Harinder Singh Lakhowal and Balbir Singh Rajewal cautioned that failure to address their demands could result in a larger, pan-India agitation.
“If the Centre does not accept our demands, we will organize a massive nationwide agitation,” Lakhowal warned.
The 2020–21 farmers’ protests, which drew international attention, were cited as an example of the unity and intensity the farmers could achieve.
The Republic Day protests reflect the farmers’ steadfast commitment to their demands. While the government’s invitation for talks offers a glimmer of hope, tensions remain high as both sides brace for the outcomes of the February discussions.