The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a prominent farmers' union, has declared a nationwide protest scheduled for November 4th, 2024. The demonstrations will take place at District Collectorates across the country, signaling a significant escalation in their ongoing agitation.
The core issue driving this protest is the growing fear among the farming community of potential delays in the sowing of Rabi season crops. Farmers are expressing deep concern that bureaucratic hurdles and unaddressed demands could critically impact the upcoming agricultural cycle.
Why Farmers Are Taking to the Streets Again
The decision was made during a crucial national meeting of the SKM. The union has identified several pressing issues that require immediate government intervention to safeguard the interests of the agricultural sector and ensure national food security.
Key demands expected to be highlighted in the protests include:
- Swift government action to facilitate timely sowing operations.
- Resolution of pending promises made during previous farmer agitations.
- Assurances on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other market-linked guarantees.
- Addressing input cost concerns and providing adequate support for the Rabi season.
A Strategic Move: Targeting District Authorities
By choosing to protest at the offices of District Collectors (DCs), the SKM is adopting a decentralized yet coordinated strategy. This approach aims to bring their grievances directly to the local administrative machinery responsible for implementing agricultural policies on the ground.
This pan-India protest underscores the persistent and unresolved challenges within India's agricultural landscape. The November 4th action is poised to test the government's responsiveness to farmer welfare ahead of a crucial cropping season, making it a development with significant implications for the nation's economy and food supply chain.
