ABSTRACT
As introduction, the editor of this book situates the 2020–2021 farmer resistance movement within the wider context of Indian development trajectory since independence. The author argues that despite making great strides in economic development and reducing poverty, the indicators for level of development are still relatively low as reflected in India’s poor ranking in major global league tables. The author then argues that this is largely due to the major thrust of Indian development strategy which has given primacy to urban development at the expense of rural development. This ‘Urban Bias’ has over time resulted in mounting agrarian distress, even in states such as Punjab which were once seen as leaders in agrarian change and crucial for providing national food security. The ongoing Indian reforms, which started way back in 1991–1992, were now beginning to enter the agricultural sector in a major way with the government passing three new Farm Laws to liberalize trade in foodgrains by allowing entry to the corporate sector. The recent farmers’ movement can be seen as an act of resistance by farmers to maintain livelihoods in the face of unleashing of market forces.
