On February 1, 2021 the internet was, yet again, divided. This time it was over singer and businesswoman Rihanna’s tweet in support of the Indian farmer protests. Following the internet breaking tweet many more celebrities voiced their support. For many this was the first time these protests were mentioned but the sad reality is, these protests are far from new. 

Even though farmers have been protesting the three Farm Bills passed by Parliament since August 2020, it has not been widely covered by western media until now. These Farm Bills outline a new more laissez faire approach to the sale of agricultural products. The Indian government claims these new laws will help farmers prosper but the reality is far from it. 

In actuality these laws help the wholesale buyers as the previously set governmental price floors are no longer in place. This allows for buyers to demand low prices and farmers would be forced to sell in fear their crop will go to waste. Not to mention, many farmers are poor and can barely make ends meet as it is. The land they cultivate is not their own as they constantly have to take out loans putting their land as collateral. The land itself is not a large plot either; nearly 80% of farmers grow their crop on one hectare or less. All of this already contributes to a life filled with hardship and these acts only make their situation worse. The livelihood and lives of farmers are at stake, yet the government is more concerned with telling the world not to meddle in India’s internal affairs.

Instead of reconsidering the laws, the government, with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has worked to launch counter campaigns such as #IndiaTogether and #IndiaAgainstPropaganda. These hashtags have been used by several Indian celebrities, but what they and the government fail to realize is the very real damage this is doing to those who are directly affected by these new laws, farmers. While the government continues to defend these laws, the Indian state of Punjab is experiencing an economic downturn and an increase in farmer suicides.  

Throughout all of this there have been multiple organized protests and marches, the first large scale protest being Bharat Bandh (transl. Close India). Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh and other states led demonstrations as part of the protest. Another notable protest is Delhi Challo (transl. Let’s go to Delhi), where protests from different states marched to the Indian capital, Delhi. These protests have led to numerous talks between unions and the government but a successful negotiation has yet to be reached. Without a favorable compromise farmers will continue to struggle.

While all farmers are struggling, female farmers are in an even worse condition. In most fields, women work the hardest yet only 12% of farmland is actually owned by women. Women also face many other limitations in this line of work, including home responsibilities and less accessibility to transport among other things. All of this makes it easier for corporations to exploit them under these new laws. Right now thousands of women are back at home tending to the crop in order to provide for their families. The marginal representation of women in the farming sector makes it harder for them to sustain themselves. 

The poor conditions of farmers is not helping their situation anymore than the Farm Bills. Even though the government is set on countering the farmer’s protests, farmers are continuing to demand their voices be heard. As educated citizens it is equally important we raise our voice in support of the farmers. There are many ways to get involved. A simple post on social media with well researched information and the appropriate hashtags as well as continuing to educate ourselves on the subject and making sure to keep up with the progress of the movement can help.

The movement has finally gained the attention of western media, these protests can no longer be overlooked. People need to continue supporting the farmers because it means their voices are being heard. Supporting this movement gives hope for change. #istandwithfarmers