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Clashes broke out near Shambhu, a border crossing between
northern Punjab and Haryana states, where multiple entry points
into the capital have been sealed with metal barricades and
barbed wire. The authorities also suspended internet service in
some districts of Haryana to prevent communication among the
protesters.
The farmers, who began their march in Haryana and Punjab, are
seeking guarantees, backed by law, of more state support or a
minimum purchase price for farm produce. A similar protest three
years ago resulted in tens of thousands of farmers camping on
the capital’s outskirts for more than a year.
The government protects agricultural producers against any sharp
fall in farm prices by announcing a minimum purchase price for
certain essential crops at the beginning of the sowing season,
taking into account the cost of production. But state agencies
often buy only rice and wheat at the support level, and farmers
want minimum purchase price for at least more than 20 essential
crops.
The farmers are also pressing the government to meet its promise
to double their income, complaining that costs of cultivation
have jumped over the years while incomes have remained stagnant.
They have further asked the government to waive their loans.
Farmer leaders say they will protest in New Delhi where the
Parliament is in session.
In 2021, Modi repealed a set of agricultural laws that the
protesting farmers said would hurt their incomes. The withdrawal
of the laws was seen as a major retreat by the government, which
was shocked in January that year when tens of thousands of
farmers stormed the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.
After withdrawing the laws, the government said it would set up
a panel of farmers and government officials to find ways to
ensure support prices for some essential farm produce.
Multiple meetings since then have made no progress and farmers
accuse the government of not fulfilling that promise.
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