December 13, 2021

The AEPF congratulates the Indian farmers’ on their victory as the Government of India conceded to their demands after one year of non-stop protests. We pay homage to the over 700 lives martyred in the course of this struggle as the farmers braved a hostile environment and adverse weather conditions as they camped in the open on the borders of New Delhi.

The AEPF believes that this victory is shared by peoples’ movements world over as the farmers’ struggle goes beyond their own livelihood, to ensure that food prices remain affordable, that food growers retain dignity and the right to their labour and food sovereignty. The Indian farmers’ movement succeeded in halting laws that facilitate the corporatization of food production and distribution systems, and thereby dealt a blow to neoliberal reforms.

The AEPF lauds that women joined this movement in great numbers in their own right as cultivators and agriculturists. This movement collectively thwarted attempts to break its unity and demonise social movements. The Indian farmers movement has restored the majesty of non violent mass movements with a collective and responsible leadership that arose from within the struggle through discussions and negotiations across many political worldviews. This movement generated its own cultural symbols, songs, creative expressions, and expressed solidarity with other smaller movements and expressions of democracy like minority rights and accountable dissenters.In a word this movement has been a model of resistance that deepens democracy that has seen erosions in India as in many other parts of the world.

The leadership- Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has resolved to take forward the interests of the farmers and workers. The AEPF once again congratulates them and stands in solidarity with them.

Save the Date:
Dare to Win: Building on Lessons from the Indian Farmers Movement

Date: January 20, 2022
Time: 10 CET
Webinar