Indian Farmers Rally in New Delhi for Minimum Crop Price Legislation

As national elections approach, thousands of farmers demand legal guarantees for crop prices, highlighting failed negotiations and a history of protests.

• Thousands of Indian farmers have converged on New Delhi to demand legislation for minimum crop prices, avoiding tractors and carrying no weapons to comply with police conditions.
• The protests are timed crucially ahead of India's national election in April-May, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party is expected to seek a third term.
• Farmers are pressing for guaranteed prices on 23 crops to stabilize income, amidst fears of market volatility affecting those owning less than 1 hectare of land.
• Previous negotiations have failed to resolve the issue, with farmers rejecting a proposal for five-year contracts on certain crops.
• The demand for minimum crop prices follows a history of protests, including a significant 2021 movement that forced the government to repeal new agriculture laws.

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