India’s government on Saturday failed to break a deadlock with farmers who are protesting over new agricultural reforms and will meet again on Wednesday to continue talk to end the weeklong protest, the agriculture minister and union leaders said.
Thousands of Indian farmers are demonstrating against the laws, which they say threaten their livelihoods, by camping on the outskirts of the capital New Delhi and blocking highways.
According to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, the new laws are meant to overhaul antiquated procurement procedures and give growers more options to sell their produce.
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Jagjit Singh Dhalewal, a senior farmer’s leader speaking after five hours of talks on Saturday said: ‘Farmers made it clear to the ministers that they want the government to repeal the laws.’ Agriculture and farmers’ welfare minister Narendra Singh Tomar told reporters that talks will resume on Wednesday, adding the government is committed to farmers’ welfare and is keen to examine and consider the issues raised by farmers.’
The protest which is led by influential farming groups from the grain-producing states of Haryana and Punjab is a test of Modi’s ability to reform the agricultural sector. India is boosting its $2.9 trillion economy which employs about 1.3 billion peoples and has Agriculture making up nearly 15% of that economy.
Farmers are protesting because they fear the new legislation will eventually dismantle India’s regulated markets and stop the government from buying wheat and rice at guaranteed prices, leaving them to negotiate with private buyers.
So they are calling for the government to repeal the laws and retain mandatory government purchases, among other demands.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
