AIKS to Intensify Agitation Against ‘Anti-Farmer’ Policies; Nationwide Protests Announced

Nagpur: The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has resolved to intensify its nationwide agitation against what it described as the “anti-farmer policies” of the Narendra Modi-led BJP government. The decision was taken at the AIKS National Council meeting, held in Nagpur on January 3 and 4, with participation from representatives across the country.

The meeting was presided over by AIKS President Rajan Kshirsagar and attended by 65 National Council members representing 22 states. General Secretary Ravula Venkaiah presented the organisational and political report.

According to the resolutions adopted, AIKS will step up resistance against the proposed Seed Bill, Electricity Bill, the impending Indo-US Trade Deal, and other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The organisation reiterated its long-standing demands for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) at C2+50% and complete waiver of farmers’ loans.

MSP ‘Betrayal’ and Rising Agrarian Distress

AIKS alleged that the government has failed farmers by refusing to provide statutory backing to MSP. It pointed to declining agricultural prices—often below MSP—and a sharp rise in agricultural imports, which it said have increased from ₹70,000 crore to over ₹3 lakh crore in recent years.

The organisation claimed that Indian farmers are currently burdened with ₹28.5 lakh crore in debt, leading to severe agrarian distress. It also cited official data to allege that farmer suicides have risen to an average of 31 per day under the current regime. AIKS warned that proposed FTAs with countries including the US, UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand would further harm domestic agriculture by increasing imports.

Opposition to Seed Bill and Corporate Control

The AIKS strongly opposed the proposed Seed Bill 2025, describing it as detrimental to farmers’ interests. The organisation alleged that the bill would facilitate corporate dominance of the seed sector, criminalise traditional seed-saving practices, increase input costs, and encourage monopolisation.

Citing the example of cotton farmers, AIKS referred to the alleged failure of patented Bollgard II seeds, claiming that resistance to pink bollworm has declined while corporate profits continue.

Procurement Failures and Rural Employment Concerns

The organisation criticised procurement policies of the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and NAFED, alleging that farmers are being denied MSP due to restrictive rules and a flawed digital procurement system. It also raised concerns over the replacement of MGNREGA with the proposed VB-GRAMG scheme, calling it a threat to rural employment and an attack on the constitutional role of Panchayats and Gram Sabhas under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.

Land Acquisition and Environmental Issues

AIKS condemned what it termed as forceful land acquisition for the Shaktipeeth Expressway in Maharashtra, alleging violations of legal procedures and misuse of police force. It also demanded an immediate halt to mining activities in the Aravalli range, citing pending Supreme Court proceedings.

Key Demands

The AIKS listed the following demands:
1. Legal guarantee of MSP at C2+50% and complete farm loan waiver
2. ₹25 lakh compensation and a government job for families of farmers who died by suicide
3. Immediate withdrawal of the Seed Bill and Electricity Bill
4. Scrapping of the Indo-US Trade Deal and other FTAs
5. Introduction of a separate ‘Kisan Budget’
6. Effective procurement of cotton, soybean, and arhar (tur) at MSP
7. An end to forceful land acquisition for expressways, industrial cities, and mining projects

Nationwide Agitation Programme

AIKS announced a series of nationwide protests:
• January 16, 2026: Nationwide protest day across more than 500 districts
• Union Budget Day: Protests at Parliament and state capitals demanding a separate Kisan Budget
• February 12, 2026: Nationwide Rasta Roko, Rail Roko, and Jail Bharo agitation in coordination with farmers’ and labour organisations
• February 15, 2026: Observance of the birth anniversary of Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, founder of AIKS

The organisation has appealed to its state units, allied organisations, and the farming community to ensure large-scale participation in the announced programmes.