Question

Write short notes.

Farmers' Movement

Answer 1

i. Although farmers are geographically scattered, there are several instances of the consolidation of their power in response to unrest and suppression.
ii. Farmers’ struggle in India is documented with reference to the following important phases:

1.  Early Agitations (1857 to 1921): During this time, there were a number of revolts. Another well-known movement was the Satyagraha movement of the peasants in Kaira against the collection of land revenue in a situation of crop failure. Other well-known movements included the Deccan riots against money lenders, the upsurge by Bengal tenants against zamindari, the Punjab Kisan struggle in Bihar against indigo planters, and the upsurge by Bengal tenants against zamindari.
2.  The emergence of Kisan Sabhas (1922 to 1946): The Kisan Sabha movement started in Bihar under the leadership of Swami Sahajanand Saraswati to raise voices against the Zamindari system. The representatives of Kisan Sabhas from Bihar and UP presented a memorandum at an All-Party Conference covering their major demands.
3. Post-Independence period: The emergence of the farmer's movement in the post-independence era can be located in the 1970s. In the 1960s and 70s, the movement became more organized. Bhartiya Kranti Dal and the Bhartiya Lok Dal were established to speak up for farmers. The founding of the Shetkari Sangatana under Sharad Joshi's leadership and the Karnataka Rajya Ryat Sangh under M. D. Nanjundaswamy's leadership in 1980 marked significant turning points for the Indian farmer movement.

iii. With seasonal fluctuations, the apathy of the government, and negligence by the masses, farmers continue to suffer in India.