THE week-long farmers' unrest that erupted on June 6 in Kurukshetra district of Haryana has temporarily come to a halt as of the evening of June 13, following the acceptance of two major demands. Agitating farmers from various farmers' organisations, numbering in the thousands, had occupied the main National Highway (GT Road) on June 12, as announced during the Mahapanchayat held at Pipli grain market on the outskirts of the historic town of Kurukshetra. Their demands included the release of BKU (Charuni) leader Gurnam Singh Charuni and nine other farmers, as well as the purchase of Sunflower seeds at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

The Kurukshetra Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police were compelled to visit the mass sit-in of farmers at the NH blockade and announce the acceptance of both demands, which they were initially reluctant to concede during a series of lengthy meetings with local leaders of BKU (Charuni). Under these circumstances, the leaders of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), who had been present at the protest venue for over 30 hours, convened a meeting and decided to form a larger joint negotiation team comprising senior leaders. Ultimately, the administration had to meet this expanded team and expressed their willingness to accept both demands on behalf of the state government.

The entire series of events unfolded, starting from Shahbad town and the adjoining Ambala, when the state government refused to procure Sunflower at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 6,400 per quintal. Instead, the government insisted that farmers sell their produce at the prevailing private market rates, promising to compensate them with an additional Rs 1000 per quintal as bhavantar (the difference between the market rate and MSP/SSP). With the market price ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,800, farmers were facing substantial losses ranging from Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,400 per quintal, even with the bhavantar compensation. The situation escalated further when protesting farmers, who were sitting on the road, were subjected to a lathi charge on June 6.

On June 8, the general body meeting of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) held at Surjeet Bhawan vehemently denounced the police action and expressed strong condemnation of the arrest of 33 leaders associated with the Greater Noida Morcha, which had been ongoing for two months now.

Sunflower is primarily cultivated as an oilseed crop in certain areas of Kurukshetra and Ambala districts in Haryana and Punjab. It is important to note that the governments of Punjab and Haryana have been urging farmers to shift away from water-intensive crops like Wheat and Rice, due to the alarming depletion of groundwater levels. They have offered a range of attractive incentives, including financial assistance, and have even threatened penalties for not transitioning to crops such as Maize, millets, sunflower, pulses, and other oilseeds and vegetables. As a result, the cultivation area for Sunflower has increased from 9,440 hectares in 2018-19 to 14,160 hectares in 2022-23. However, the promised incentives have turned out to be a major deception. Mustard farmers face a similar plight. A significant portion of the Mustard crop produced during the Rabi season this year was not purchased at the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 5,450 per quintal, forcing farmers into distress sales

In this context, it is worth mentioning that the low market price of Mustard seeds is exacerbated by the import of edible oil, which accounts for a staggering 60 per cent of total domestic consumption. According to estimates, mustard farmers in Haryana have incurred a staggering loss of Rs 20,000 crore in this season alone due to unfair prices. The centre's purported plea to edible oil companies to pass on the benefits to consumers by reducing retail prices has had no impact whatsoever. This scenario showcases the astonishing level of corporate profits, which devastates Mustard farmers on the one hand while burdening ordinary consumers on the other. It is not a mere coincidence that the Haryana government withdrew the supply of Mustard oil from the public distribution system (PDS) two years ago, clearly favoring corporate sales in the market. This detrimental process of expropriation applies to all crops and other agricultural products, including the dairy sector.

The success of the Kurukshetra morcha holds significant importance for several reasons that warrant attention. Firstly, it is noteworthy that the national and Haryana units of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) promptly and unequivocally supported the protest, in line with their stated commitment to defend the rights of farmers regardless of their affiliation with any specific farmers' organisation.

Secondly, while the immediate issue at hand appeared to be the MSP for Sunflower, it served as a catalyst for the pent-up anger surrounding a broader range of issues. Many farmers present at the protest site were not Sunflower growers, indicating that the denial of MSP was not a localised problem but a reflection of the prevailing neoliberal policies across the country. These policies have systematically reduced state support, including the MSP regime, despite repeated denials to the contrary.

Thirdly, the incident in Kurukshetra occurred at a time when the demand for a legal guarantee of MSP has become one of the most crucial issues. The SKM has charted out a series of protest actions to be carried out at the national level in a phased movement in the coming months, emphasizing the urgency and importance of this matter.

Lastly, the collaboration between the SKM and other diverse groups and leaders outside its immediate ambit proved to be compelling enough to bring the BJP-JJP government of Haryana to its knees. This alliance demonstrated the strength of unity and solidarity in the face of government policies that were perceived as detrimental to the interests of the farming community.

Meanwhile, farmer protests continue to take place across Haryana, with demonstrations occurring in at least a dozen locations, focusing on various issues. These include the non-disbursement of compensation for damaged crops, the rejection of crop insurance claims by private companies on flimsy grounds, and concerns related to land acquisition. In one particular case, a company rejected a farmer's claim, citing the farmer's alleged negligence in tending to the insured crop, which supposedly resulted in a lower yield.

Although the All India Kisan Sabha has a relatively weak organizational presence in the northern part of Haryana, including Kurukshetra and Ambala, its units in adjoining districts have played a commendable role by mobilizing support and showing solidarity with Sunflower growers and other farmers involved in recent protests.

Preparations are currently underway for the nationwide observance of MSP Day on June 30. This initiative has been called for by the Central Kisan Committee (CKC), following their meeting held in Kanchipuram on June 1-2. The significance of MSP (Minimum Support Price) and its protection for farmers remains a central focus of these preparations.

Upon analyzing the recently announced Kharif crops, it becomes evident that the per quintal losses for producers, when comparing the declared Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the C2+50 per cent formula, are substantial. The estimated losses for various crops are as follows: Paddy (Rs 683), Bajra (Rs 216), Jowar (Rs 1969), Moong (Rs 2269), Cotton (Rs 2059), Soyabean (Rs 1428), Sunflower (Rs 2180), and Maize (Rs 605). Calculating the total losses for a specific state or the entire country can be easily accomplished by multiplying the per quintal loss by the total production of the respective Kharif crop. This reality exposes the hollowness of the supposed emphasis placed on crops like Bajra, Jowar, Ragi, etc., during the current year, which has been designated as the year of the millets by the United Nations.

AIKS has made the decision to bring attention to the exorbitant level of super profits that the BJP government, through its policies, is ensuring for domestic and foreign corporations. By denying the MSP and weakening both the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) and the PDS, these policies have severe implications for national food security. The focus of the MSP campaign must be comprehensive, unified, and holistic, aiming to expose the ruling party's divisive agenda based on communal and caste lines, as well as the widespread destruction of livelihoods.

Importantly, mobilising more and more people in these initiatives will require addressing local issues that directly impact their daily lives. It is crucial to demonstrate how these neoliberal policies are translating into hardships and difficulties in their day-to-day existence. By highlighting the tangible consequences of these policies, the struggle can resonate with a broader audience and garner greater support for the cause.