Section Article

Agrarian Distress and the Political Economy of Farmer Protests in India
Author(s): Pawan Tiyagi

Abstract
Agrarian distress in India reflects a systemic crisis that encompasses economic stagnation social inequality and political disempowerment of a vast rural population that depends on agriculture for its livelihood. Despite India’s transition into a major global economy agriculture remains the mainstay for nearly half the population yet contributes less than one-fifth of the GDP. The declining profitability of farming indebtedness erratic monsoons market failures and state apathy have aggravated the crisis. The farmer protests particularly those seen in 2020–2021 represent not just a reaction to specific policies but also a larger assertion against long-term structural neglect. This paper examines the multiple dimensions of agrarian distress analyzes the historical evolution of farmer mobilizations and investigates the political economy that governs rural India. Drawing from empirical data policy analysis and recent developments it argues that addressing agrarian distress requires more than policy correction—it necessitates a rethinking of development priorities and a democratic restructuring of rural governance.