Farmers, Workers Protest in Mysuru Against ‘Corporate Control’ in Agriculture

Fast summary

• Farmers and activists under Samyukta Horata Karnataka (SHK) protested in Mysuru against perceived corporatisation of agriculture, rural markets, and public services.
• The protest was organised by Karnataka Rajya raitha Sangha (KRRS), Karnataka Pranta Raitha Sangha (KPRS), Center of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), and other allied organisations.
• Protesters allege the current government supports policies favoring multinational corporations (MNCs) and large domestic corporate entities in agriculture.
• Key concerns include:

– Corporatisation of Farmers’ Producer Organisations (FPOs)
– contract farming arrangements
– Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models impacting small farmers
– Weakening of national food sovereignty due to market influence by MNCs.

• SHK called for abolishing the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing citing risks to small cultivators’ sustainability.
• Demands raised included:

– Legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP)
– Government crop procurement assurances
– Total waiver of farm loans
– Opposition to land acquisition from farmers and privatisation in sectors like power

• Slogans were chanted against MNC presence in India; notable figures like CITU general secretary G. Jayaram participated.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The protests organised by Samyukta Horata Karnataka highlight deep-seated concerns about the growing corporatisation within india’s agricultural sector-a topic that touches upon critical themes such as food security,sustainability among smallholder farmers,and resistance against globalisation forces wielded by powerful corporations. While proponents argue such policies could modernise agriculture through investment in infrastructure and technology, opponents fear they will marginalise traditional practices and expose weaker stakeholders to financial vulnerability.

Given the broad participation from multiple advocacy groups like KRRS & CITU alongside demands for MSP guarantees and loan waivers-issues that resonate with farming communities-the movement reflects pressing anxieties over livelihood stability amid shifting policy priorities towards PPP models or corporate-led frameworks. Policymakers may need to strike a balance between fostering economic growth while ensuring equitable treatment for smaller producers who are critical not only economically but socially across rural India.

Read more: August 13, 2025