Tensions rose between Indian farmers and officials as protests over crop prices entered a crucial point. Farmer groups stopped their march to New Delhi about 125 miles from the capital after weeklong confrontations with security. Police used tear gas and barriers to hinder the politically strong farmers months before the May elections.
To find a solution, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal presented new guaranteed base prices for pulses, corn, and cotton under proposed 5-year deals with farmer co-ops. The administration says these organizations will buy unlimited amounts of varied crops at set rates to end the deadlock.
Farmer unions said they would take a day or two to discuss the proposals and build an internal agreement on the next steps. Their core demand has focused on ensuring base prices to protect farm sector livelihoods.
With elections nearing, the coming days may prove decisive in seeing whether a compromise can be reached or prolonged protests will continue. The determination on both sides reflects the importance of the issues at stake.
