Security tightened in New Delhi as farmers launch protest march

The Indian capital witnessed heavy traffic jams and increased security on Monday, as farmers from several key agricultural states launched a protest march demanding reforms to the sector.  

Thousands of security force personnel have been deployed in parts of Noida, a satellite city of Delhi within the National Capital Region, local media reported, citing police officials. Authorities stated they are in constant communication with the farmers and have issued traffic advisories.  

The ‘Delhi Chalo’ (“On to Delhi!”) protest march, organized by the farmers’ body Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and allied organizations, is demanding benefits related to agricultural reforms, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price for key crops. Other farmer organizations from different states have announced foot marches towards Delhi starting on December 6.

The 235-kilometer-long march will begin at Shambhu, a point on the national highway leading to Delhi located on the border between Punjab and Haryana. 

Shambhu and Khanauri, another location along the Punjab-Haryana border, have become focal points for farmers’ protests in recent years, often resulting in violent clashes with authorities.  

Members of farming groups have been sitting at the Shambhu and Khanauri sites since February of this year, following their previous march to the capital, which was halted by security forces. They seek implementation of their demands by the central government. 

The protesters accuse the government of failing to address their multiple requests, including legislation that would guarantee a minimum sale price (MSP) for major crops, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, and a waiver of farm debts. 

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This marks the second time thousands of north Indian farmers have taken to the streets, urging the federal government to fulfill their demands. In 2020-21, a 13-month-long agitation forced the ruling BJP administration to repeal several farm laws that it claimed were aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector.  

Agriculture employs around 58% of the country’s population and accounts for approximately 18.3% of India’s GDP at current prices. Its market size was estimated at $372.94 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $473.72 billion by 2029. India is the world’s second-largest producer of wheat, rice, and sugar.  

Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar reached out to farmers on Sunday, urging them to find solutions to their complaints through negotiations. “I appeal to my farmer brothers to understand that in this country, issues are resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.”