The farmers’ unions have resumed their protest, demanding that the Centre introduce a law to offer guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP). The protest is generating noise as some state governments have imposed restrictions on highways, rather than the nuances of agricultural policy in India. While representatives of the Centre, including the agriculture minister, are trying to resolve the situation through dialogue, it is extremely unlikely that any law offering guaranteed MSPs for all crops will be considered at this juncture. The breakdown in talks is causing a standoff between the farmers and the government.
The farmers are trying to march towards Delhi to protest. But they have been stopped by the Haryana government. The government has blocked the road to stop the march of the farmers. Restrictions have also been imposed on the Delhi-UP border. Minor skirmishes between security forces and farmers have been reported. The government of India should continue to try to engage the farmers and resolve the issue. The violent method to crush the march should be avoided at any cost. The only way forward is dialogue between the union government and the agitating farmers.