Ongoing Farmers' Struggles in India: Caste, Class & Gender

On Thursday, Friday, 30th May 2025, Dr Darshan Pal – President, Krantikari Kisan Union, Harinder Kaur Bindu – Head, BKU (Ugrahan) Women’s Wing, Mukesh Malaudh – President, Zameen Prapti Sangharsh Committee and Amandeep Kaur - Istri Jagriti Manch, along with ILS had a powerful conversation with around Punjab’s farmers and landless labourers' movements. The discussion unpacked the intersections of caste, class, gender and agrarian resistance.

Summary

The call addressed how farmers' struggles in India persist despite earlier protest victories. Notably, women's participation in these agricultural movements has grown significantly and remains a vital force in the ongoing resistance. Alongside them, Dalit communities continue to play a critical role, not only opposing farm laws but also confronting longstanding challenges related to land access and rights.

Dr Darshan Pal – President, Krantikari Kisan Union

Current State of Farmers' Movement

Dr. Darshan Pal provided a detailed overview of the farmers' movement in Punjab, tracing its trajectory from the landmark 2020–21 protests to the present. While the withdrawal of the three controversial farm laws marked a major victory, he emphasized that many core demands remain unmet. Following the Punjab state elections, the movement fragmented into three main platforms, each taking different strategic directions - Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM).

Despite these divisions, farmers continue to mobilize against emerging threats. Dr. Pal highlighted that the National Agriculture Marketing Policy poses a renewed risk of corporate control over agriculture. He also underscored the worsening financial crisis, pointing out that Punjab’s farmers are burdened by an estimated ₹10 million crores in debt. - of which 65% is institutional debt, and 35% is a private money lender's debt. The movement persists, but in a more decentralized form, grappling with both political fragmentation and structural economic challenges.

Key Points:

• The withdrawal of farm laws was a major but partial victory.

• Many of the farmers’ original demands remain unfulfilled.

• The movement has split into three main platforms after the Punjab elections.

• The National Agriculture Marketing Policy is seen as a renewed threat of corporate intrusion.

• Farmers in Punjab are collectively burdened with an estimated ₹10 million crores in debt.

• The movement continues in a fragmented state amidst deepening economic pressures and policy threats.

Harinder Kaur Bindu – Head, BKU (Ugrahan) Women’s Wing

Harinder Kaur Bindu highlighted the significant transformation in women's involvement in the farmers' movement. She emphasized that female participation at protest sites has increased remarkably, marking a shift in traditional gender roles within agrarian struggles. At the Tikri border, women not only joined in large numbers but also assumed leadership roles. They were actively involved in high-visibility actions such as tractor rallies and protests outside Parliament. Despite managing household responsibilities and sharing them with their partners, women continued to sustain their presence and participation in the movement. This dual role has reshaped perceptions and challenged entrenched patriarchal norms, making women’s involvement not just visible but essential to the movement’s strength and continuity.

Key Points:

• Women’s participation in protests has grown significantly.

• At the Tikri border, women took on leadership responsibilities.

• Women were active in tractor rallies and protests near Parliament.

• They continue to balance household duties with activism.

• Women's involvement has become integral to the movement.

• Their leadership is challenging patriarchal barriers within rural communities

Mukesh Malaudh – President, Zameen Prapti Sangharsh Committee

Mukesh Malaudh presented the work of the Zameen Prapti Sangharsh Committee (ZPSC), focusing on the fight for land redistribution and the Dalit community’s rightful access to Panchayati land in Punjab. He detailed the committee's success in securing land rights in over 150 villages, marking a significant step toward social justice. However, he also noted that recent protests have been met with state repression, underlining the resistance activists face from local authorities and entrenched power structures. Importantly, Mukesh emphasized the transformative impact of land access - improving nutrition, dignity, and self-respect among Dalit families. These outcomes show that land redistribution is not only a matter of economic justice but also central to restoring autonomy and challenging caste-based inequality.

Key Points:

• ZPSC works to secure Dalit access to Panchayati land.

• Land rights secured in over 150 villages across Punjab.

• Recent mobilisations have faced state repression.

• Land access improves nutrition, dignity, and community confidence.

• Land redistribution is essential for Dalit empowerment.

• Structural and state resistance to land reform continues.

Amandeep Kaur - Istri Jagriti Manch

Amandeep spoke about the unique struggles faced by Dalit women. She outlined the three levels of discrimination Dalit women face: gender-based, caste-based, and economic. She referred to a survey conducted by a professor at Patiala University, where women were asked if they had experienced sexual exploitation or repression. According to the survey, only 2% said yes, 33% said no, and 55% did not respond. This silence is exactly what her organization is working to challenge - empowering women to speak up. She credited the ongoing struggles, especially those led by the Zameen Prapti Sangharsh Committee (ZPSC), for giving women the courage to raise their voices. She concluded by asserting that no struggle against exploitation or oppression can be complete without the participation of women.

Key Points:

• Dalit women face three layers of discrimination: gender, caste, and economic.

• A survey showed only 2% of women reported sexual exploitation, while 55% remained silent.

• IJM works to break this silence and encourage women to speak up.

• ZPSC’s activism has helped empower women to participate in resistance.

• Women's involvement is essential to any fight against oppression.