Globalisation and Farmers Movements
Globalization has had a profound impact on agriculture in India, shaping the context and nature of farmers’ movements across the country. While globalization promised economic growth, access to international markets, and technological advancement, its effects on Indian farmers have been complex and often contradictory, giving rise to widespread mobilizations and protests.
The liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s, under the policies of globalization, exposed Indian agriculture to global competition. Farmers were encouraged to adopt cash crops, modern inputs, and high-yield technologies. While some large and commercial farmers benefited, many small and marginal farmers struggled with rising input costs, volatile market prices, and exposure to international price fluctuations. The removal of subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, and electricity, coupled with limited access to credit and insurance, increased farmers’ vulnerability to debt and economic distress.
These structural pressures gave rise to a series of farmers’ movements across India. Movements such as those led by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) in Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh, the farmers’ protests in Maharashtra led by the Shetkari Sanghatana, and the recent nationwide protests against the 2020 farm laws, all reflect the tensions created by globalization. Farmers demanded fair prices, minimum support prices (MSP), debt relief, and protection against exploitative corporate practices in agricultural markets. The recent protests particularly highlighted concerns that globalized markets would favor large corporations and undermine small-scale farmers’ livelihoods.
Globalization also influenced the strategies and organization of these movements. Farmers increasingly used media, social networking platforms, and alliances with civil society organizations to mobilize support, drawing national and international attention to their struggles. Issues of trade liberalization, contract farming, and corporate involvement in agriculture became central to their demands.
In conclusion, globalization has both intensified the economic pressures on Indian farmers and provided a platform for collective action. Farmers’ movements in the era of globalization are not just local or regional protests but reflect a broader struggle to balance market integration with social justice, food security, and sustainable livelihoods. They underline the continuing need for policies that protect small farmers while engaging with global markets.
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