Loading ...By Mayank Bhardwaj and Rajendra Jadhav
GHAZIABAD, India (Reuters) -In a surprise announcement on Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he would repeal agriculture laws that farmers have been protesting against for more than a year, sparking celebrations for what farmers called a hard-fought victory.
Modi’s decision is a significant climb-down for the combative leader and comes as state elections in politically important grain-belt states loom.
The legislation – three laws introduced in September last year – was aimed at deregulating the sector, allowing farmers to sell produce to buyers beyond government-regulated wholesale markets where growers are assured of a minimum price.
Farmers, fearing the reform would cut the prices they get for their crops, staged nationwide protests that drew in activists and celebrities from India and beyond, including climate activist Greta Thunberg and pop singer Rihanna.
https://news.yahoo.com/indias-modi-repeal-controversial-farm-035917771.html