Farmers’ Protest Resurfaces Over MSP Guarantee Bill – 19 September 2025
- Shristi Singh
- 21 September 2025
Introduction
On 19 September 2025, a new wave of farmers’ protests erupted across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh demanding a Minimum Support Price (MSP) Guarantee Bill. The agitation, reminiscent of the 2020–21 protests, has revived debates on agricultural reforms, food security, and the rural economy. While opposition parties backed the farmers, the government cautioned against fiscal and market disruptions, making MSP a fresh political flashpoint.
Background of the Issue
MSP System: A government-set price ensuring farmers are protected from market fluctuations; applies to 23 crops but mainly benefits rice and wheat.
Farm Laws 2020–21: Repealed after massive protests, but farmers’ key demand—a legal guarantee of MSP—remained unresolved.
Current Crisis: Rising input costs, falling incomes, and climate-induced losses have increased demands for MSP protection.
On 19 September 2025, farmers’ unions under Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) reignited the movement with coordinated protests.
Key Demands of Farmers
Legal Guarantee of MSP for all 23 notified crops.
Comprehensive crop insurance covering climate-related losses.
Loan waivers for small and marginal farmers.
Withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill.
Pension schemes for farmers and agricultural workers.
Government’s Stand
Opposes Legal MSP: Warns of fiscal burden and market distortions.
Alternative Proposal: Strengthen procurement, encourage diversification, and expand support schemes.
Parliament Statement: Agriculture Minister said, “Government is committed to farmers’ welfare but cannot legally bind MSP for all crops.”
Political Dimension
Opposition Support: Congress, AAP, and regional parties joined protests, calling the government “anti-farmer.”
Ruling Party Response: Accused opposition of exploiting farmers for electoral gains.
Election Impact: Analysts see MSP as a game-changer in agrarian states like Punjab, Haryana, and UP.
Events of 19 September 2025
Delhi: Farmers attempted to march toward Parliament; stopped by barricades, tear gas, and water cannons.
Punjab & Haryana: Highways blocked, panchayats passed pro-MSP resolutions.
UP & MP: Sit-ins staged at district headquarters.
Media: Images of police clashes revived memories of 2020–21 protests.
Legal and Constitutional Aspects
Article 21: Farmers argue MSP is linked to the right to livelihood.
Directive Principles (Art. 39b): Supports equitable distribution of resources.
Parliamentary Role: An MSP Bill would require fiscal scrutiny and state coordination.
Judicial Oversight: Petitions in the Supreme Court seek clarity on whether MSP is a right.
Arguments in Favor of MSP Guarantee
Economic Security: Shields farmers from market volatility.
Food Security: Strengthens the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Social Justice: Protects small & marginal farmers (85% of farming households).
Rural Stability: Reduces farmer suicides linked to debt.
Arguments Against MSP Guarantee
Fiscal Burden: May cost over ₹10 lakh crore annually.
Market Distortions: Encourages rice-wheat dominance, hurting diversification.
Storage Issues: Lack of capacity for surpluses.
WTO Concerns: Could violate international subsidy rules.
Impact of the Protests
Political Pressure: Could reshape electoral campaigns in key states.
Economic Disruptions: Blockades and procurement delays affect supply chains.
Policy Rethink: Government may consider middle-ground options like price deficiency payments.
Social Mobilization: Proves farmers’ continued ability to drive mass movements.
Public Reactions
Farmers’ Families: Called MSP their “survival demand.”
Urban Middle Class: Divided between empathy and frustration over disruptions.
Economists: Split—some prefer targeted subsidies, others stress MSP’s necessity.
Conclusion
The protests of 19 September 2025 mark a renewed chapter in India’s agrarian struggle. Farmers view MSP as a lifeline, while the government warns of fiscal strain and market risks. The standoff reflects the larger challenge of balancing economic reforms with social justice. With elections approaching, the resolution of the MSP issue could redefine both the future of Indian agriculture and the political fortunes of parties across the country.
