Why 2020-2021 Indian Farmer's Protest

The 2020-2021 Indian Farmers' Protest is an ongoing protest against three agricultural acts, which were passed by the Parliament of India in September 2020. The Acts, often called Agriculture Bills, have been described by many farmers as "anti-farmer laws". Unions, and politicians in the opposition, say it will leave farmers "at the mercy of the corporate". The farmers have also demanded the enactment of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) Bill, to ensure that companies cannot control the prices. However, the central government says the law will make it easier for farmers to sell their produce directly to big buyers, and said the protests are based on misinformation. Related endemic heritage issues include farmer suicides and low farmer incomes. Despite India being largely self-sufficient in food production and welfare schemes, hunger and nutrition remain serious issues, India is one of the worst countries in the world in food security standards. Soon after the Acts were introduced, unions started holding local protests, mostly in Punjab. After two months of protests, farmers' unions—mainly from Punjab and Haryana—started a movement called Delhi Calo (trans. Let's go to Delhi), in which thousands of farmers' union members marched towards the nation's capital. The Indian government ordered police and law enforcement from various states to attack protesters using water cannons, batons and tear gas to prevent farmer unions from entering Haryana and then Delhi. November 2020 saw a nationwide general strike in support of farmers and thousands of people at various border points en route to Delhi. Eleven rounds of talks were held between 14 October 2020 to 22 January 2021 between farmers representing the central government and farmers unions; All were inconclusive, with only two relatively minor points being agreed upon. While a section of farmer unions is protesting, the Indian government claims that some unions have come out in support of the agricultural laws. By mid-December, the Supreme Court of India had received a slew of petitions to lift the blockade created by protesters around Delhi. The farmers have said that they would not listen to the courts if asked to back down. Their leaders have also said that stopping the implementation of agricultural laws is not a solution. The Supreme Court of India stayed the implementation of agricultural laws in January 2021. Farmer leaders welcomed the stay order, which is still in effect. The committee appointed by the Supreme Court has presented its confidential report before the court. Six state governments (Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Delhi and West Bengal) passed resolutions against the Agriculture Acts, and three states (Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan) introduced counter legislation in their respective state legislatures. No counter law passed by the respective state governors. On 26 January 2021, on India's Republic Day, thousands of farmers marched towards Delhi with a large convoy of tractors and a Parade. The protesters deviated from the pre-approved routes permitted by the Delhi Police, resulting in violence and clashes with the police. Later, the demonstrators reached the Red Fort and put up  Sang flags and religious flags on the Red Fort's ramparts. On 19 November 2021, the central government decided to repeal the bills and both the houses of the parliament passed the Agriculture Laws Repeal Bill, 2021 on 29 November. Following the announcement of repeal of agricultural laws, farmer unions continued to demand a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP), reminding the government of its goal of doubling farmers' income by 2022; and 2004 Report of the National Commission for Farmers headed by MS Swaminathan.