What was Kisaan Andolan of 2020 and why it happen then and now?

The Kisan Andolan, or Farmers' Protest, in India refers to a series of ongoing demonstrations and movements primarily led by farmers against three agricultural bills passed by the Indian government in September 2020. These bills aimed to reform India's agricultural sector by allowing farmers to sell their produce outside of government-regulated wholesale markets, facilitating contract farming, and removing stockpiling limits on certain commodities.

However, many farmers expressed concerns that these laws would lead to the deregulation of agricultural markets, potentially leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by large corporations and undermining their traditional means of livelihood. They argue that the new laws favor big agribusinesses and threaten the longstanding system of government-regulated markets, known as mandis, which have provided farmers with a safety net and guaranteed minimum prices for their crops.

Since November 2020, farmers, predominantly from the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, have been staging protests, primarily around the borders of the national capital, New Delhi. The protests have gained widespread attention and support, with farmers setting up camps, organizing marches, and engaging in talks with the government to demand the repeal of the contentious laws.

Despite several rounds of negotiations between farmer unions and the government, a resolution has yet to be reached. The protests have seen various phases, including peaceful demonstrations, clashes with security forces, and symbolic acts such as tractor rallies and hunger strikes. The movement has also received solidarity from various sectors of society, including opposition political parties, activists, and international organizations.

The Kisan Andolan has highlighted broader issues related to agrarian distress, farmer indebtedness, and the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in India. It has sparked debates about the future of agriculture, rural livelihoods, and the role of government policies in shaping the sector's trajectory.

As of my last update in January 2022, the protests continue, and both sides remain entrenched in their positions. The outcome of the Kisan Andolan remains uncertain, but it has undoubtedly left a significant impact on India's political landscape and raised important questions about the welfare of farmers and the direction of agricultural reforms in the country.