Peasants Movements

Historical Context of Farmers' Movements (Pre-Independence)

  • Champaran (1917): Protest against Tinkathia system (indigo cultivation).
  • Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Demand for tax relief during famine (led by Gandhi).
  • Bardoli Satyagraha (1925): Led by Sardar Patel; against unjust land revenue.
  • Tebhaga Movement (1946-47): Sharecroppers in Bengal demanded two-thirds share.
  • Deccan Riots (1875): Revolt against moneylenders in Maharashtra.
  • Others: Bhil Revolt, Mopilla Rebellion, Muslhi Satyagraha, Warlis' struggle, Birsa Munda revolt, Nagar Uprising.

Key Farmers’ Movements (Post-Independence)

Telangana Peasant Armed Struggle (1946–51)

  • Against feudal landlords in Hyderabad under the Nizam.
  • Led by CPI.
  • Fought for land rights; involved armed resistance.

Bhoodan Movement (1951–1960s)

  • Led by Vinoba Bhave , inspired by Gandhian ideals.
  • Voluntary land donation from landlords to landless farmers.
  • Limited success but highlighted land inequality.

Punjab Agitations (1950s–60s)

  • Focused on water rights (Ravi-Beas system), land reforms , and fair pricing .
  • Led to some water sharing reforms.
Peasants Movements

Naxalite Movement (1967 onwards)

  • Originated in Naxalbari, West Bengal .
  • Maoist, armed peasant uprising against feudalism.
  • Highlighted rural poverty and land reform needs.
  • Legacy continues in Left-Wing Extremism.

Kisan Sabha Movements (1980s–90s)

  • Active in UP, Bihar, Maharashtra.
  • Demands: Higher MSP, loan waivers, subsidies.
  • Mobilized large-scale protests.

Maharashtra Kisan Long March (2017–18)

  • Issues: Drought, crop price crash (cotton, sugarcane).
  • Thousands marched Nashik to Mumbai.
  • Forced loan waiver announcements.

Farm Laws Protest (2020–2021)

  • Protested 3 central farm laws ; fear of MSP erosion and corporatization .
  • Farmers (mainly from Punjab, Haryana, UP) camped at Delhi borders.
  • Government repealed the laws in Dec 2021.

Major Reasons for Farmers' Protests

  • MSP (Minimum Support Price): Poor implementation, fear of abolition post-2020 farm laws.
  • Water Scarcity: Mismanagement and disputes (e.g., Punjab, Telangana).
  • Land Acquisition: Inadequate compensation, e.g., Narmada Bachao Andolan .
  • Privatization & Deregulation: Fear of market exploitation, reduced subsidies.
  • Pro-Corporate Government Policies: Contract farming, MNC entry in agri-supply chain opposed.
  • Labor Issues: Inadequate protection for agri-workers.