Tens of thousands of farmers have blocked roads leading into New Delhi for the past three weeks demanding a repeal of laws that give them the option to sell directly to private companies. The government says the change is necessary to boost farm returns and improve storage and other infrastructure. "The modern facilities available to the farmers of major nations should also be available for those from India, it cannot be delayed any longer," he said. After a series of previous meetings with Modi's ministers, the protesters have said that nothing short of an official annulment of the three laws will be enough to change their position. Rakesh Tikait, a farmers' leader, said after Modi's speech that the premier was trying to privatise agriculture to benefit companies and not them.

Source: Dhaka Tribune December 18, 2020 11:15 UTC