The agitation against farmers’ bills has run into the third week. Since 26th November 2020, the borders of Delhi have been witnessing the huge stir being carried out by farmers, most of them from Punjab and Haryana.

The farmers are protesting against 2 Farm Bills that the Rajya Sabha recently passed: (1) the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and (2) the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020.

The two bills had already cleared the lower house – the Lok Sabha. When they were introduced in the Rajya Sabha, there was ruckus and finally, the Bill was passed through a voice vote.

The strike is going on at Delhi borders as formal talks between the government and representatives of farmers' unions remain deadlocked with protesting agriculturalists refusing to accept anything less than a repeal of the newly enacted laws.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that the farm laws were not brought overnight and even opposition parties advocated such laws but are criticising these reforms now as they are upset because Modi has done it, and said the government was ready "with our heads bowed, our hands folded, with humility" to allay any concerns over the issue.

The Prime Minister's fresh overtures came during an address to farmers of Madhya Pradesh even as Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar expressed hope of resolving the issue of protesting farmers before the New Year.
By now, Centre has held talks with farmers three times. Even a talk was held with Home Minister Amit Shah but the farmers were not ready for any compromise other than repeal of the laws.
Finally the prime minister the other day said that the government was ready for discussion of each clause of the bill separately and finding a solution.
The prime minister said everything would be discussed including the support price.
The Central leaders including the prime minister are of the opinion that so much opposition to the bill is happening due to misunderstandings.
With the folded hands the prime minister appealed to the farmers to come forward for discussion in order to weed out misunderstandings and speculations about the bill.
All know that it is not advisable to push the agri sector, which is the backbone of India’s economy, into such a crisis. The government is showing leniency only because that they feel there is need to find clear the misgivings.
The stir, if it goes indefinitely, won’t be in the interest of the nation.
As of now the protest is peaceful but it may change its nature and form in its due future course. It is easy to start an agitation but the strategy and efficiency should be shown in deciding where to stop it.
In between, the farmers’ agitation had also reached the court regarding the roadblocks it was creating. When the SC observed that famers had the right to protest, it said that both parties should reach an amicable solution to the issue.
The government could very well implement the SC suggestion for the formation of a committee of experts to address the farmers’ grievances.
If a third party is made to involve in this, they would be able to make creative suggestions.

However, the SC had also criticised the adamant attitude of the farmers indirectly.
By spurning offer for talks, the famers are closing the doors for resolution of the issue. Only through talks such contentious issues can be resolved.
There is something illogical in saying that first withdraw the bills passed by the all-powerful Parliament and then come up for discussion.
Even world wars could be ended through talks. All apprehensions on the farm bill can also be sorted out through talks.