Punjab, January 3, 2025 – The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) criticized the draft National Agriculture Marketing Policy introduced by the NDA government, calling it “more dangerous” than the three controversial farm laws repealed in 2021.
In a statement, the farmers’ body warned that the proposed policy, if implemented, would undermine state governments’ federal rights and jeopardize the livelihood of farmers, agricultural workers, small traders, and producers. “This policy paves the way for multinational corporations and international finance capital to dominate India’s agriculture and food industry, posing a threat to food security and national sovereignty under the guise of ‘one nation, one market,’” SKM said.
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The organization, which led the prolonged farmers’ agitation in 2020-21, argued that the draft policy lacks safeguards like a minimum support price (MSP) and minimum wages for farm laborers. Instead, the policy benefits corporate interests while neglecting core issues faced by the farming community.
Pointing to systemic flaws, the SKM stated, “The agrarian crisis is rooted in social and political challenges, not merely technical ones. Farmers supply raw materials to markets controlled by corporations, which dictate terms and pocket disproportionate profits. Yet, the policy ignores mechanisms to ensure fair sharing of this wealth.”
Referring to the recommendations of the late MS Swaminathan-led National Commission on Farmers, the SKM lamented the absence of any mention of a remunerative MSP in the draft, a matter central to the farmers’ income security and ongoing national debates.
The SKM praised the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for outrightly rejecting the proposed policy. It also called on other state leaders to foster democratic discussions with all stakeholders, including farmers, workers, traders, and exporters, to formulate an alternative policy framework.
Farmers’ protests against the draft policy are intensifying, with resolutions planned at mahapanchayats in Tohana, Haryana, on January 4, and in Moga, Punjab, on January 9.
“The government’s draft does nothing to resolve the root income issues faced by farmers,” the SKM added, appealing to political parties to clarify their stance on the policy.
