SKM Holds Kisan Mahapanchayat, Calls for Protests Against Corporate Control Over Agriculture
Delhi: On 20th March 2023, tens of thousands of farmers from across the country gathered at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan for a Kisan Mahapanchayat organized by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM). The event saw over 50 speakers calling for protests against corporate control over agriculture and condemning the Modi government’s anti-farmer policies.
The SKM submitted two memoranda to the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare at Krishi Bhawan, demanding the immediate implementation of the MSP Guarantee Law and resolution of all pending promises. The government agreed to engage in dialogue with the SKM to address the issues faced by farmers.
The SKM announced that it would hold state conventions and yatras to mobilize farmers, with the goal of commencing a spate of countrywide struggles to end corporate exploitation. The 15-member delegation of SKM warned the government that if their demands were not met in a time-bound manner, the SKM would announce further protests and agitations.
The delegation comprised of leaders from various organizations, including the All India Kisan Sabha, Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, Bhartiya Kisan Mazdoor Union, and Jai Kisan Andolan. The Mahapanchayat also saw speakers condemning the Modi government for selling off the farm sector, agricultural land, forests, and natural resources to corporate profiteers.
The SKM’s call for protests against corporate control over agriculture and the government’s anti-farmer policies highlights the ongoing struggle faced by farmers in India. The mobilization of tens of thousands of farmers from across the country is a powerful indication of the widespread dissatisfaction among India’s farming community.
