Farmers present 10 demands amid Delhi-Noida chokehold; Here's what they want

Since December 2023, farmer groups from Noida and Greater Noida have staged protests, seeking enhanced compensation and developed plots for lands acquired by local authorities in the past.

Edited By: Mayank Kasyap

Last Updated : 08 February 2024, 08:17 PM IST

Farmers gather at Delhi-Noida, Chilla border

ANI

New Delhi: Significant disruptions plagued parts of Noida bordering Delhi on Thursday as thousands of farmers embarked on a march towards Parliament, only to be halted by police forces at the national capital's entry points. In response to the ongoing protests, farmers have outlined a comprehensive list of demands. Let's delve into the complete set of demands put forward by the protesting farmers.

Backdrop of protests

The scenes in Noida-Delhi border areas were marked by extensive traffic jams as police authorities erected barricades to regulate vehicular movement into Delhi. The protesting farmers from Noida and Greater Noida intended to march towards Parliament to vocalise their grievances.

Motorists faced prolonged delays along the Delhi-Noida link road, especially near Mayur Vihar, where a substantial police presence was observed, prepared for any potential escalations. Heavy machinery, including bulldozers, backhoe machines, riot control vehicles, and water cannons, were strategically stationed at border points, as reported by officials. The Delhi Traffic Police also reported heightened traffic volumes at DND, Chilla, and Ghazipur borders.

The list of 10 demands

MSP Guarantee Law: Enactment of a law guaranteeing the purchase of all crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission, with prices determined using the C2+50% formula.
Fair Pricing for Spices: Implementation of Fair and Remunerative Price (FRA) and the Swaminathan Commission’s formula for the purchase of all spices, including turmeric, establishing a national authority for procurement.
Complete Loan Waiver: Demand for a complete waiver of loans for farmers and labourers.
Justice for Previous Agitation: Resolution of unresolved demands from previous Delhi agitations, including justice in the Lakhimpur Kheri murder case and the dismissal and arrest of relevant individuals.
Withdrawal from WTO: India's withdrawal from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and increased subsidies for agricultural produce, prioritising the purchase of Indian crops abroad.
Pension Scheme: Introduction of a pension scheme for farmers and agricultural labourers over 58 years old, with a monthly pension of ₹10,000.
Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme: Government to pay self-premiums, include all crops in the scheme, and calculate losses based on individual land units.
Land Acquisition Act Implementation: Full implementation of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 and revocation of central government directives on land acquisition to states.
MGNREGA Reforms: Provision of 200 days of employment per year under MGNREGA, with wages increased to ₹700 per day and inclusion of agriculture.
Pesticide, Seed, and Fertilizer Act Amendment: Amendment of the Pesticide, Seed, and Fertilizer Act to enhance seed quality, imposing penalties on companies producing adulterated products.

Motivations behind the protests

Since December 2023, farmer groups from Noida and Greater Noida have staged protests, seeking enhanced compensation and developed plots for lands acquired by local authorities in the past. Today, their resolve to march to Parliament underscores their determination to amplify their demands. Representing over 140 villages in Noida and Greater Noida, the protesting farmers convened a Mahapanchayat in Greater Noida, where the decision to proceed to Parliament was made.

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Farmers present 10 demands amid Delhi-Noida chokehold; Here's what they want