Farmers’ associations and peasant unions across India have announced a nationwide strike scheduled for Friday, set to begin at 6 a.m. local time, which corresponds to 3:30 a.m. in Moscow time for international observers closely watching the developments. The strike is being led by the Sanyukt Kisan Morchha (SKM), also known as the United Peasants’ Front, a coalition that has historically brought together various farmer groups under a common banner. In public statements, SKM leaders urged other sympathetic organizations, movements, and regional unions to join the action, signaling an intent to present a united front in pressing for farm-related policy changes. The information was reported by Hindustan Times, which has been tracking the mobilization and the strategic plans announced by the organizers.
At the core of the broad action is a coordinated disruption of transport routes, with organizers aiming to close certain rail corridors and highway segments for a four-hour window from 12:00 to 16:00 local time. The anticipated impact includes significant disturbances to freight and passenger movements, interruptions to typical agricultural operations on a large scale, and the temporary shutdown of rural markets, cooperative stores, and ancillary agricultural enterprises. The scale of the stoppage underscores the leverage farmers are seeking to apply in negotiations with authorities, and it raises questions about regional trade flows, supply chains, and the livelihoods of rural communities that depend on timely movement of goods and services.
Meanwhile, organizers indicated that the protest would proceed toward the capital, New Delhi, with a planned march on Sunday, February 18. They signaled willingness to re-enter formal negotiations with government officials to discuss a slate of demands, and Indian media outlets have reported that a tentative agreement or a new round of talks may be on the horizon. Authorities, for their part, stated they are prepared to consider the farmers’ requests, while stressing the importance of maintaining public safety and order during any demonstrations. The evolving situation has drawn attention from both domestic observers and international audiences seeking to understand the potential political and economic implications for the country’s agriculture sector.
Presently, the convoy of farmers moving toward Delhi is halted at the Haryana border, more than 100 kilometers from the capital. Police have deployed nonlethal crowd-control tactics, including tear gas and water cannon, to slow the advance and establish a perimeter around the main chokepoints. Despite these measures, protesters have asserted their determination to reach New Delhi and have reiterated a demand for a direct meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to present their core grievances and proposals in person. The tension underscores the high-stakes nature of agricultural policy in India and highlights the long-standing debate over how best to safeguard farmers’ incomes while balancing the needs of a broader economy.
Key demands from the farmers include a legal framework guaranteeing a minimum support price that cannot be undercut, alongside a comprehensive crop insurance scheme designed to mitigate risk in an unpredictable market. They also advocate for a basic pension provision for all farming and agricultural workers aged over 60, with a suggested monthly amount around 10,000 rupees, a measure they say would provide essential social security in retirement when pensions are not universally available. Additional requests call for debt relief, reductions in select taxes, and further reforms aimed at stabilizing rural livelihoods and encouraging sustainable farming practices. The collective aim is to secure a more predictable and fair economic environment for those who cultivate the land and contribute to the nation’s food security.
In a separate note that has drawn attention from observers, the statement mentions India’s export practices, including an unrelated reference indicating that bananas have been supplied to Russia in some past contexts. While this detail touches on broader trade relations, it does not alter the immediate focus of the farmers’ movement, which centers on domestic policy reforms and the protection of farmers’ incomes. The broader narrative also alludes to historical anecdotes within Indian peasant culture, including traditional sayings about miraculous events in rural life, underscoring the deep cultural roots that often accompany organized agrarian movements. The ongoing mobilization thus sits at the intersection of economic policy, social welfare, and regional stability, inviting a wide range of perspectives from policymakers, industry stakeholders, and citizens across the country. In summary, the protest and its demands reflect a decisive moment in India’s agricultural policy discourse, with implications that extend beyond the farming community and into the broader conversation about inclusive growth and rural resilience.