Delhi Under Siege: Farmers Storm Back for Crop Price Guarantee | Visual Story

Farmers primarily from Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh are set to embark on a march towards Delhi on Tuesday, aiming to pressurize the government into accepting their demands, which include a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.

The farmers' demands are extensive and include a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and laborers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases, justice for Lakhimpur Kheri violence victims, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act 2013, withdrawal from the World Trade Organization, and compensation for families of deceased farmers from the previous protest.

In preparation for the scheduled march, Haryana authorities have strengthened the state's borders with Punjab in Ambala, Jind, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, and Sirsa. Concrete blocks, iron nails, and barbed wire have been used to stop the migration. Furthermore, the Haryana government has implemented Section 144 of the CrPC in 15 districts, which limits gatherings of five or more persons and prohibits protests or marches employing tractor trolleys.

Farmers argue that the current compensation rates, typically ranging from 5 to 7 percent of the total acquired land, are insufficient. Specifically, authorities such as the Noida Authority, Greater Noida Authority, and Yamuna Authority have been criticized for offering inadequate compensation, leaving farmers landless and dissatisfied.

Protesters contend that they have suffered financial losses due to the acquisition of land at lower rates in previous years. This grievance adds to their dissatisfaction, creating a compelling argument for revisiting compensation policies to ensure farmers receive fair and just remuneration for their acquired land.

In addition to compensation, farmers are pushing for the reservation of 10 percent of residential plots on developed lands for their families. This demand aims to secure a tangible stake in the development projects, providing a semblance of continuity for the farming community.

The ongoing protest by farmers underscores the deep-rooted issues surrounding land acquisition and compensation. As authorities grapple with the demands presented by the farmers, finding a balanced and equitable solution becomes imperative to address the grievances and foster a cooperative environment between the agricultural community and development agencies.