Farmers' Desperate Plea: 111 Farmers to Embark on Hunger Strike for MSP Guarantee

In a dramatic escalation of their protest, 111 Punjab farmers are set to begin a fast-unto-death, wearing black, to pressure the government to provide a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). This comes as another farmer leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, endures the grueling 50th day of his own hunger strike, his health critically deteriorating. Will this desperate act finally force the government to listen to the farmers' demands?

The Grim Determination of Punjab's Farmers

The situation at the Khanauri protest site is grim. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has shown unwavering resolve in his fight for farmer rights. His health, however, is worsening drastically. Doctors report his condition as "deteriorating", exhibiting a dangerously high ketone level and significant muscle loss. His body is reportedly rejecting water, signaling the possibility of imminent multi-organ failure. Despite his severe condition and urgings from various sources, he continues to refuse medical aid.

An Act of Desperation: The Fast-Unto-Death

Inspired by and in solidarity with Dallewal's sacrifice, 111 farmers will begin their own fast-unto-death on Wednesday at 2 p.m. They plan to peacefully stage this demonstration near police barricades in black clothing, signaling their solidarity and resolve. Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar shared the farmers' deep emotions, describing the upcoming collective action as a demonstration of the community's willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Support from Across the Border

Showing incredible solidarity and support, farmers and groups from across the border in the Kaithal district of Haryana are converging at the protest site. Joining the cause are representatives from the Haryana Vyapar Mandal, led by Bajrang Das Garg. This display of widespread support adds significant pressure on the government.

The Core Demand: A Legal Guarantee on MSP

The farmers' central demand remains unwavering: a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. This crucial policy would provide farmers with a guaranteed minimum price for their produce, protecting them from exploitation and market volatility. They feel it's a necessary measure to guarantee their livelihood and protect their future in farming. They seek a robust legislative framework, ensuring price stability and security for their harvest, thereby offering a safety net against fluctuating market rates and preventing distress sales. This fight for an MSP guarantee highlights a key challenge of sustainable agriculture and food security policies that affect every member of society.

Why is the MSP Guarantee so Critical?

The MSP ensures fair remuneration for agricultural producers for their goods and services. It is an economic tool of great importance to stabilize the economy of agrarian societies. Many farmers have reported struggling with significant price reductions. By assuring MSP, they have confidence in their market performance and long-term viability. Many farmers are experiencing increased financial pressures with no assured revenue streams from farming activities. Ensuring fair trade is a major step towards promoting social equity. The MSP policy is part of a bigger agricultural production planning process.

Farmer's Plea to Religious Leaders

In a desperate attempt to break the deadlock and bring attention to their plight, Dallewal has also reached out to various religious leaders and saints, urging them to intervene with the central government. His move indicates the grave concern over his ongoing protest and health situation, highlighting the severity of the matter and farmers' fervent need for governmental assistance.

A Year-Long Struggle at the Border

The protests at Shambhu and Khanauri border points, under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have endured since February 13 of last year. This ongoing demonstration represents a year-long commitment to the cause and shows the relentless perseverance and dedication of the farming community. Their resolve has stood firm against obstacles, including a march to Delhi, being stopped by security forces, yet their cause remains. Their plight and actions underscore the severe challenges farmers face and serve as a warning to potential policy decisions. This struggle represents years of mounting pressures in a changing economic landscape and government policies.

Take Away Points

• 111 farmers will begin a fast-unto-death on January 15th, 2025, demanding a legal guarantee for MSP.
• Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a key leader in the protest, is in critical condition after 50 days of hunger strike.
• The farmers' movement highlights the urgent need for government intervention and the need to review MSP guarantee policies.
• Farmers are receiving strong support from different areas, further amplifying the urgency of the situation.