Protests will be held at state and district headquarters across the country, jointly organised by SKM, Central Trade Unions, and several workers’ and agricultural labour organisations
NEW DELHI – The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a broad coalition of farmers organisations, on Wednesday announced a nationwide mobilisation of farmers and workers on November 26, marking the fifth anniversary of the historic farmers’ movement that began at the Delhi borders in 2020. Protests will be held at state and district headquarters across the country, jointly organised by SKM, Central Trade Unions (CTUs), and several workers’ and agricultural labour organisations.
The announcement was made at an online press conference attended by prominent SKM leaders, including Rakesh Tikait, Dr Ashok Dhawale, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Rajan Kshirasagar, Vadde Shobenendra Rao, Dr Sunilam, Satyawan, Prem Singh Gehlawat, Kanwarjit Singh, Indrajit Singh, Sufal Kumar Mahato and Ramesh Mahapatra. Journalist participants were welcomed by P Krishnaprasad.
SKM leaders said the protests were intended to remind the nation of the “unfinished issues” of the 2020–21 farmers’ movement. They recalled that the 380-day agitation, supported by the united trade union movement, led to the repeal of the three controversial farm laws after the loss of 736 farmer lives.
However, the farm unions accused the Union government of failing to fulfil its written assurances to SKM on MSP at C2+50% with guaranteed procurement, debt relief, and halting electricity privatisation, which were given on 9 December 2021.
“Five years have passed, but the promises remain unimplemented. Farmers continue to suffer,” SKM said.
Distress Intensifies
The organisation highlighted severe distress across agricultural markets, pointing to the distress sale of key crops well below even the lower MSP formula. According to SKM, farmers are selling:
Paddy at Rs 1,400/q, against the MSP of Rs 2,369/q
Cotton at Rs 6,000/q, against the MSP of Rs 7,761/q,
Maize at Rs 1,800/q, against the MSP of Rs 2,400/q.
They noted that the MSP based on the C2+50% formula—recommended by the Swaminathan Commission—would be far higher; for paddy, this would come to Rs 3,012 per quintal.
In contrast, SKM alleged, the Narendra Modi government has waived Rs 16.41 lakh crore worth of corporate loans in the last 11 years, while “not granting even a single rupee of debt waiver to farmers”.
Set of Demands
The SKM outlined a comprehensive set of demands for the nationwide demonstrations, which include:
Enacting a law guaranteeing MSP at C2+50% with assured procurement.
A comprehensive loan waiver for farmers and agricultural labourers and regulation of microfinance institutions.
No privatisation of electricity and public sector units; withdrawal of the Electricity Bill 2025.
Protection from “harmful” free trade agreements, especially in the cotton and dairy sectors; withdrawal of the draft Seed Bill 2025.
Repealing the four labour codes and securing minimum wage rights.
Declaring major natural calamities as national disasters and ensuring full compensation to affected states.
Expanding MGNREGS to 200 days of work and Rs 700 daily wages; filling 65 lakh vacancies in government and public sector jobs and
Protecting farmers from land acquisition without due compensation and ending what it described as “bulldozer raj”.
Call for Wider Political Reforms
The SKM also voiced strong concerns over the “deteriorating democratic situation”, calling for electoral reforms, including replacing the Home Minister with the Chief Justice of India in the Election Commission selection panel, ending money power in elections, and repealing laws such as UAPA and the Public Safety Act.
The group warned against policies such as the National Cooperation Policy, New Education Policy and the National Policy Framework on Agriculture Marketing, saying they infringe upon states’ rights. With the slogan “Strong States for Strong India,” the SKM demanded increasing states’ share in central revenues from 31% to 60%.
Nationwide Campaign
Leading up to the November 26 demonstrations, the SKM will organise village meetings, padyatras, cycle yatras, conventions, leaflet distribution drives and door-to-door campaigns across India.
“This will be the beginning of a renewed, determined, pan-India struggle,” SKM declared, calling upon farmers and workers to unite against “authoritarian, pro-corporate and communal policies” and to defend secular unity.
