SKM intensifies agitation against central policies, demands increase in MSP
By yash chouhan 2025-11-11 11:52:39
SKM will intensify its agitation against the central government's policies, demanding a new MSP for paddy, sugarcane, and cotton.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced an intensification of local protests across the country against the central government's agricultural policies and the neglect of farmers. The organization has demanded government procurement of paddy, sugarcane, and cotton crops at the rate of ₹3,012, ₹500, and ₹10,121 per quintal, respectively. SKM stated that, in addition to the farmers' pressing local demands, policy demands such as MSP@C2+50%, loan waivers, the repeal of the Electricity Bill 2025, and the implementation of the Land Acquisition Act 2013 (LARR) will also be included in the movement. The organization has threatened to submit a memorandum to the District Magistrate and launch a "protracted struggle" if its demands are not met.
Government's Failure on MSP The Morcha accused the central government of forcing farmers to sell their produce at throwaway prices despite the announced MSP of ₹2,369 per quintal for paddy for 2024-25. According to the organization, farmers in Uttar Pradesh are forced to sell paddy at ₹1,500-₹1,600 per quintal, which is about ₹800 less than the official rate. Meanwhile, in Bihar and Jharkhand, prices have fallen to ₹1,200-₹1,400. The SKM stated that according to the Swaminathan formula, the MSP for paddy should be ₹3,012 per quintal, resulting in a loss of about ₹1,600 per quintal at current rates.
Major Demands for Sugarcane and Cotton Farmers The organization also expressed concern over the plight of sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh. According to the statement, the price of sugarcane has increased by only ₹55 in the last nine years, while the cost has increased manifold. The price of sugarcane in the current season is ₹370 per quintal, while farmers have demanded an increase of ₹500 per quintal and immediate payment of ₹3,500 crore owed to sugar mills. SKM said that cotton farmers are forced to sell their produce at ₹5,500-₹6,000 per quintal, while the declared MSP is ₹7,710. Mung bean farmers are forced to sell for less than ₹4,000 per quintal, instead of the declared rate of ₹8,768 per quintal. The organization demanded an MSP of ₹5,000 per quintal for basmati rice and the establishment of a government procurement mechanism.
Fertilizer, electricity, and MNREGA also targeted The Morcha alleged that fertilizer black marketing and arbitrary pricing are rampant across the country. Farmers are paying up to ₹700 for a bag of urea worth ₹270. The organization demanded a crackdown on black marketing and strict action against counterfeit fertilizers. On the issue of electricity, the SKM stated that farmers are being forcibly installed with prepaid smart meters and that the Electricity Bill 2025 is against farmers' interests. The organization demanded the withdrawal of this bill and the provision of 300 units of free electricity. Regarding MNREGA, the SKM stated that despite the law's guarantee of 100 days of work, workers receive only 47 days of work on average, and the average daily wage of ₹284 is less than the state minimum wage. The organization demanded the inclusion of agriculture and dairy in MNREGA, a daily wage of ₹700, and a guarantee of 200 days of employment.
Action against Microfinance Institutions The Samyukta Kisan Morcha stated that under the NDA regime, microfinance institutions are charging exorbitant interest rates from poor families and, in many cases, engaging in illegal activities in the name of debt recovery. The SKM demanded that the government enact laws regulating microfinance institutions and providing interest-free loans to the poor. In its statement, the SKM appealed to all state coordination committees to organize farmers and agricultural laborers at the local level. The organization said that if the government does not take concrete action on the demands of the farmers, then a massive and long-term movement will be started across the country.
