Farmers body SKM seeks MPs’ help over MSP, loans, trade deals

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) will submit a memorandum to MPs and MLAs between August 17 and 25, urging them to press the Centre and state governments for policy changes. Hindustan Times reports the SKM wants a shift from what it calls "corporate-centric" development policy, especially in the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' framework. The Hindu reports the memorandum also demands repeal of all free trade agreements, including the proposed India-US FTA, which the SKM calls a "blueprint for economic colonisation".

Key demands include a legal guarantee of MSP for all crops at C2+50%, as recommended by the M S Swaminathan Commission, with assured procurement. The SKM also seeks a comprehensive farm loan waiver, ₹25 lakh compensation for families of farmer suicide victims, scrapping of the four labour codes, restoration of MGNREGA with 200 days of work at ₹700 a day, and withdrawal of electricity and seed bills. Both outlets report the SKM says Centre's written assurances from December 2021, after the earlier farmers' agitation, have not been implemented.

The Hindu adds the SKM alleges a duopoly of Adani and Leap India in FCI silos, saying 77.5% of grains will be controlled by these two companies. The SKM has warned that if its demands continue to be ignored, farmers will resume a "large and sustained" struggle from November 26, the sixth anniversary of the farmers' movement, Hindustan Times reports.