FARMERS' MOVEMENTS

Farmers in India have protested against government policies for several reasons, primarily due to concerns about their livelihoods, land rights, and the economic sustainability of agriculture.

Farmers' protests and movements in independent India have been a significant part of the nation's political history, driven by various economic, social, and political factors. These protests reflect the struggles of farmers to secure better prices for their produce, fair treatment, land rights, and better working conditions.

They primarily protest against government policies for several reasons, primarily due to concerns about their livelihoods, land rights, and the economic sustainability of agriculture. These protests reflect the deep-rooted struggles that farmers face in an agrarian economy.

Here's an overview of some of the key farmers' movements and protests since India's independence: The Telangana Peasant Struggle (1946-1951): The Telangana region of what is now the state of Telangana was a part of Hyderabad State under the Nizam's rule. The peasants, especially in the rural areas, were heavily exploited by landlords (jagirdars), who levied high taxes and fees.

The movement began in 1946 and was led by the Communist Party of India (CPI). Farmers in the region rose up against the landlords' exploitation, demanding better land rights and an end to feudal systems of taxation. It culminated in the formation of the Telangana Peasant Armed Struggle.

The movement succeeded in getting the Nizam government to address the exploitation, though it was also marked by intense violence and repression.

THE BHOODAN MOVEMENT (19511960S): Led by Vinoba Bhave, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, the Bhoodan (land gift) movement sought to address landlessness among farmers.