Discuss the main features of farmers’ movements in Independent India. (UPSC CSE Mains 2015 - Sociology, Paper 2).
Farmers'' movements have been a significant part of India''s post-independence history, reflecting the challenges and issues faced by agricultural communities. These movements have played a crucial role in advocating for farmers'' rights, land reforms, fair pricing, and better living conditions.
Main Features of Farmers'' Movements in Independent India:
- Land Reforms:
- One of the central themes of farmers'' movements has been the demand for land reforms to address landlessness and unequal land distribution.
- The Telangana and Tebhaga movements in the 1940s and 1950s called for the redistribution of land from landlords to landless peasants.
- Fair Pricing and Loan Waivers:
- Farmers'' movements have consistently demanded fair prices for their produce and the waiver of agricultural loans.
- The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) have organized protests and strikes to demand better pricing policies and debt relief.
- Protests Against Agricultural Policies:
- Farmers'' movements often target government policies related to agriculture, including the implementation of Minimum Support Prices (MSP), trade liberalization, and the introduction of genetically modified crops.
- The protests against the introduction of Bt cotton and the agitation against the farm bills in 2020 are examples of such movements.
- Farmers'' Unions and Organizations:
- Farmers'' movements are organized and led by various unions and organizations, such as AIKS, BKU, and Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan (RKMS).
- These organizations provide a platform for farmers to voice their concerns and coordinate protests.
- Mass Mobilization and Protests:
- Farmers'' movements often involve mass mobilization through protests, rallies, and marches.
- The recent "Dilli Chalo" protests in 2020-2021, primarily by farmers from Punjab and Haryana, gained international attention.
- Solidarity Among Farmers:
- Farmers'' movements have seen solidarity among different agricultural communities and regions.
- The widespread support for the farmers'' protests in 2020-2021 demonstrated this unity, with farmers from various states coming together.
- Use of Traditional and Modern Media:
- Farmers'' movements employ a range of media, from traditional methods like pamphlets and community gatherings to modern tools like social media.
- These communication channels help in spreading awareness and garnering support.
Examples:
- Naxalbari Movement (1967):The Naxalbari movement in West Bengal, led by Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal, sought to address landlessness and unequal land distribution through radical means. It was a significant farmers'' movement with revolutionary ideals.
- Maharashtra Farmers'' Long March (2018):Thousands of farmers from Maharashtra walked over 180 kilometers to Mumbai, demanding land rights, fair pricing, and debt relief. The march drew widespread attention and resulted in some concessions from the state government.
Farmers'' movements in independent India have been characterized by their persistence, demands for land reforms, fair pricing, protests against agricultural policies, and mass mobilization. These movements have been instrumental in shaping agricultural policies and advocating for the rights of farming communities. While challenges persist, farmers'' movements continue to be a powerful force in India''s democratic landscape, highlighting the importance of addressing the concerns of this vital sector of the economy.
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