The farmer unions believe that the laws will open the sale and marketing of agricultural products outside the notified Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis for farmers. Further, the laws will allow inter-state trade and encourage hike electronic trading of agricultural produce. The new laws prevent the state governments from collecting a market fee, cess, or levy for trade outside the APMC markets; this has led the farmers to believe the laws will “gradually lead to the deterioration and ultimately end the mandi system” thus “leaving farmers at the mercy of corporates”. Further, the farmers believe that the laws will end their existing relationship with agricultural small-scale businessmen (commission agents who act as middlemen by providing financial loans, ensuring timely procurement, and promising adequate prices for their crop).[80] Additionally, protesting farmers believe dismantling the APMC mandis will encourage abolishing the purchase of their crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). They are therefore demanding the minimum support prices to be guaranteed by the government in writing.
As of 8 April 2021, the farmers’ demands include:
– Convene a special Parliament session to repeal the farm laws.
– Make MSP and state procurement of crops a legal right.
– Assurances that conventional procurement system will remain.
– Implement Swaminathan Panel Report and peg MSP at least 50% more than weighted average cost of production.
– Cut diesel prices for agricultural use by 50%.
– Repeal of Commission on Air Quality Management in NCR and the adjoining Ordinance 2020 and removal of punishment and fine for stubble burning.
– Release of farmers arrested for burning paddy stubble in Punjab.
– Abolishing the Electricity Ordinance 2020.
– Centre should not interfere in state subjects, decentralization in practice.
– Withdrawal of all cases against and release of farmer leaders.
