SKM protests Modi government’s corporate-friendly agricultural policies

Amalapuram – Andhra Pradesh: Farmers and labor unions under the SKM Dr. B R Ambedkar Konaseema District Committee staged a protest in Amalapuram, demanding the repeal of black laws, fair prices for farmers, and an end to corporate infiltration in agriculture.

Protests against corporate infiltration

Farmers, labour unions, and agricultural workers protested at the District Collector’s office under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). The demonstrators burned copies of the controversial agricultural black laws, accusing the Modi government of paving the way for corporate dominance in agriculture through policy changes.

Key demands raised by SKM

1. Repeal of black laws: Protesters called for the complete withdrawal of agricultural black laws that they claim were reintroduced under different policies despite being repealed.
2. Promises fulfilled: SKM demanded that the Modi government fulfill its promises made during negotiations with farmers.
3. Fair pricing and support: Farmers should be given remunerative prices for their produce, identity cards, and access to bank loans.
4. Stop privatization: Protesters urged the government to halt the transfer of market yards to private corporate companies.
5. Drop cases against farmers: SKM called for the withdrawal of cases filed against farmer leaders involved in the protests.

SKM leaders K Sattibabu, Karem Venkateswara Rao, T Balaram, and G Durga Prasad emphasized the need to protect farmers’ rights and livelihoods. “Corporate infiltration into agriculture will devastate the livelihood of small farmers,” they said, adding that farmers need systemic support, not exploitation.

Support from allied organizations

Leaders from the All India Kisan Mazdoor Sangh (AIKMS), IFTU, and Agricultural Workers’ Association, including V Bheemasankaram, Ch. Raja Reddy, and K Ganesh, joined the protest, reiterating the urgency to protect India’s agricultural sector from corporate domination.

Memorandum submitted to Collector

The protest concluded with the submission of a memorandum to the District Collector, highlighting the protesters’ demands and urging immediate government action to address their concerns.

This demonstration underscores the growing unrest among farmers and laborers over policies perceived as detrimental to agricultural sustainability and equity.