IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW
On Sept 20th, the Indian government essentially signed the death warrant for millions of farmers.
Recently, they passed 3 "market-friendly" bills that put the livelihood of these farmers in jeopardy.
On Sept 20th, the Indian government essentially signed the death warrant for millions of farmers.
Recently, they passed 3 "market-friendly" bills that put the livelihood of these farmers in jeopardy.
Before I start going off, I should warn ya'll that I mention SA and bring up some stats in regards to people dying by suicide.
Also, apologies if the thoughts/tweets are weirdly ordered. My mind won't stop racing 🤷🏾♀️
Also, apologies if the thoughts/tweets are weirdly ordered. My mind won't stop racing 🤷🏾♀️
Seeing as 40% of the Indian pop is in farming, that's 552,001,754 lives that will now be affected by these three bills.
What are these bills trying to do? I'm glad you asked :)
Long story short, they're removing the minimum wage.
What are these bills trying to do? I'm glad you asked :)
Long story short, they're removing the minimum wage.
Imagine going to work and being told that your $15 an hour minimum wage is gone and that you're now being paid whatever the fuck the company wants to pay you.
How would you provide for yourself, your family, get out of the massive debt you're under?
How would you provide for yourself, your family, get out of the massive debt you're under?
Farming is a massive gamble.
Farmers take out loans for seeds, equipment, fuel, fertilizer, pesticides etc. It's a gamble because these farmers don't know if the weather conditions &/or pest control will be favourable to the crop's yield; if not, it leads to crop failure.
Farmers take out loans for seeds, equipment, fuel, fertilizer, pesticides etc. It's a gamble because these farmers don't know if the weather conditions &/or pest control will be favourable to the crop's yield; if not, it leads to crop failure.
Much like any business, if this crop fails, they cannot pay their massive loans back.
Because of this, we see far too many people dying by suicide. A study commissioned by the state govt discovered that there were 16,606 agrarian suicides (9,243 farmers & 7,363 labourers).
Because of this, we see far too many people dying by suicide. A study commissioned by the state govt discovered that there were 16,606 agrarian suicides (9,243 farmers & 7,363 labourers).
Factoring the fact that there are so many that are unreported, the number is likely a lot higher.
It's been reported that there were 10,281 people that died by suicide in 2019 alone.
Imagine how the pandemic + these three bills impacted the numbers in 2020.
It's been reported that there were 10,281 people that died by suicide in 2019 alone.
Imagine how the pandemic + these three bills impacted the numbers in 2020.
These bills will only increase the insanely high poverty rate (25%) in rural areas which accounts for 95% of Punjab (urban areas see 14%).
For a frame of reference, Canada's poverty rate as of 2020 is 8.7%.
For a frame of reference, Canada's poverty rate as of 2020 is 8.7%.
The increase in poverty also means children will have less access to education, tap water, fuel, food etc.
What I didn't know before reading about everything was that 80% of farm work is undertaken by women.
EIGHTY FREAKING PERCENT.
These bills will only add to the already existing economic turmoil for these women.
EIGHTY FREAKING PERCENT.
These bills will only add to the already existing economic turmoil for these women.
In a series of public hearings, it was discovered that deepening the economic vulnerability of women makes them more vulnerable to all forms of violence, including sexual assault.
This isn't just a farming issue, it's a women's rights issue too.
This isn't just a farming issue, it's a women's rights issue too.
I know some will argue that these bills were put in place to help increase the income of farmers, but they were poorly conceived.
What's wild to me is that parts of India actually have great & sustainable practice in place and yet there's such a massive divide.
What's wild to me is that parts of India actually have great & sustainable practice in place and yet there's such a massive divide.
In Kerala, they decided to pay farmers the cost of production and a 20% mark-up for more than a dozen vegetables.
All these farmers want is the government to monitor the transactions to ensure everyone is paid fairly vs removing themselves from it all.
All these farmers want is the government to monitor the transactions to ensure everyone is paid fairly vs removing themselves from it all.
Guaranteed support prices should be made a legal right for farmers and they should be extended to cover a wider range of crops.
If Kerala can do this, why can't the rest of the country follow suit?
If Kerala can do this, why can't the rest of the country follow suit?
Farmers are the reason we get to eat, they put that food on our tables. They deserve to make a decent income.
According to the 2016 Economic Survey, the average ANNUAL income of a farming family in more than half of India's states was 20,000 rupees ($271 USD).
To live comfortably in India (according to 6 articles I read), you would need to make at least 40,000 rupees A MONTH.
To live comfortably in India (according to 6 articles I read), you would need to make at least 40,000 rupees A MONTH.
If you ate today, thank a farmer.
Now, what do you do with the info?
Well, there are a few things:
1. Share the information
2. Keep staying up-to-date with what is going on
3. Educate your local elected officials (there's a template email here: savingpunjab.org)
4. BUY LOCALLY. Help your local farmer.
Well, there are a few things:
1. Share the information
2. Keep staying up-to-date with what is going on
3. Educate your local elected officials (there's a template email here: savingpunjab.org)
4. BUY LOCALLY. Help your local farmer.
I know some of y'all are probably sitting here wondering why we should even care about this because they're an 18 hours flight away from us - I doesn't affect us BUT IT DOES.
70% of those spices (pepper, Himalayan salt, tumeric, ginger etc) y'all like so much come from India.
70% of those spices (pepper, Himalayan salt, tumeric, ginger etc) y'all like so much come from India.
Not good enough?
India the the 3rd largest producer of pharmaceuticals in the freaking world.
They also supply the 2nd largest FDA approves plants for medicine.
"I live a natural life"
Acai Berry extract, tumeric, spirulina, Moringa - all from India
India the the 3rd largest producer of pharmaceuticals in the freaking world.
They also supply the 2nd largest FDA approves plants for medicine.
"I live a natural life"
Acai Berry extract, tumeric, spirulina, Moringa - all from India
Eat any rice, NAAN, cashews, almonds, barley, lentils, oats, vegetable oil, curry etc lately?
That came from India.
That came from India.
Wearing clothing today?
India is the largest cotton producer in the world.
They produce silk, demon, yarn and synthetics too.
India is the largest cotton producer in the world.
They produce silk, demon, yarn and synthetics too.
So, when you're drinking your chai "tea" latte, adding tumeric to a juice shot, cooking with veggie oil while wearing that very comfy cotton robe, remember you wouldn't have that without Indian farmers.
This does not affect South Asians that live in India. It affects the world.
This does not affect South Asians that live in India. It affects the world.
Denim *** 🤣🤣🤣
My mom called me a demon once so I guess that's true too 😂😂😂
My mom called me a demon once so I guess that's true too 😂😂😂
& all I want to come out of this is people just acknowledging the contribution Indian farmers have made to this beautiful world.
They deserve some credit (& to be paid fairly) because without them we wouldn't have a lot of things that we take for granted today.
They deserve some credit (& to be paid fairly) because without them we wouldn't have a lot of things that we take for granted today.
Imagine being your grandparents' age, commiting to walk 375 km in a peaceful protest and being met with tear gas, water canons, police brutality etc.
@narendramodi you're not a leader, you're just pathetic.
@narendramodi you're not a leader, you're just pathetic.
It has now been reported that 5 protestors have died.
From what I could find, it seems that the weather conditions are the cause for most and one was natural cause (cardiac arrest).
From what I could find, it seems that the weather conditions are the cause for most and one was natural cause (cardiac arrest).
Just found out (this is v delayed info) that there are approx. 1.2 million protestors WITHIN Delhi. The farmers that marched are stuck at the Delhi border rn.
The farmer union leaders will be sitting in on a hunger strike starting on Dec 14th
#IStandWithFarmers
#kissanmajdoorektazindabad
#IStandWithFarmers
#kissanmajdoorektazindabad
Also, can we stop saying that @priyankachopra has spoken about the Farmer's protest as if she's doing anything?
Her single statement on it has been neutral at best. She's not going to say anything that'll piss Modi off.
She's not an ally.
#IStandWithFarmers
#FarmersProtests
Her single statement on it has been neutral at best. She's not going to say anything that'll piss Modi off.
She's not an ally.
#IStandWithFarmers
#FarmersProtests
Also, I wanna know where @mindykaling is at. Afterall, she's on the cover of @VOGUEIndia & whore "Vote for Aunty" shirts during the election.
& @KamalaHarris are you only South Asian when it's convenient for you?
#istandwithfarmer
#kissanmajdoorektazindabad
& @KamalaHarris are you only South Asian when it's convenient for you?
#istandwithfarmer
#kissanmajdoorektazindabad
From what I can find, the deaths at the border are up to 10 people/farmers.
Learned that @narendramodi sanctioned the massacre of 2,000 Muslims when he was the Chief Minister of Gujrat, India (other leaders confirmed on tape so it's not hearsay).
It's not a far out thought that he'll do the same to the farmers.
#ModiHatesFarmers
#IStandWithFarmers
It's not a far out thought that he'll do the same to the farmers.
#ModiHatesFarmers
#IStandWithFarmers
The Alberta Union of Labour Relations Professional issued a statement declaring their solidarity with India's farmers.
The most shocking part of this?
Their statement addresses their concern about India's history of responding to Sikh-led protests w/ genocidal violence.
The most shocking part of this?
Their statement addresses their concern about India's history of responding to Sikh-led protests w/ genocidal violence.
If we break the numbers down a bit more, that's 28 people who have died by suicide A DAY.
Imagine being 10 years old and having a reporter ask you if you're scared to be shot by the police/military while your peacefully protesting with your family & friends.
In 1988, Monsanto created a monopoly on cotton seeds, price per kilo went from 7 to 1700 rupees. A year later, cotton prices rose by 18.09% even though the cost to produce rose by 24185.71%.
Who suffered when this happened?
You guessed it. The farmer.
Who suffered when this happened?
You guessed it. The farmer.
Today Sant Baba Ram Singh died by suicide at the Singhu Border.
One thing people.may not have thought about is the mental health strain this is putting in farmers who are protesting.
This isn't a trend to them, it's their livelihood.
#istandwithfarmer
One thing people.may not have thought about is the mental health strain this is putting in farmers who are protesting.
This isn't a trend to them, it's their livelihood.
#istandwithfarmer
& I just learned that the Indian Government illegally diverted 75% of Punjab's water to other states.
Which has caused farmers to use ground water and because of the overuse experts predict that Punjab will become a desert in 15/20 years.
#IStandWithFarmers
#ISTANDWITHFARMER
Which has caused farmers to use ground water and because of the overuse experts predict that Punjab will become a desert in 15/20 years.
#IStandWithFarmers
#ISTANDWITHFARMER
20+ farmers have passed away from hypothermia due to the cold weather at the Singhu Border.
The Chief Minister of Punjab & Delhi have both said they support the farmers (I'm a little skeptical about Delhi's CM but I digress) and @narendramodi won't budge because he's a dipshit.
The Chief Minister of Punjab & Delhi have both said they support the farmers (I'm a little skeptical about Delhi's CM but I digress) and @narendramodi won't budge because he's a dipshit.
10 economists have written articles about how these farming laws are going to destroy small farmers, the PM of India has yet to respond.
Also, it's day 22 and all the borders getting into Delhi are still barricaded.
A bunch of people went and protested outside of Facebook's headquarters and it just made news on @BuzzFeedNews ❤️
#IStandWithFarmers
#IStandWithFarmers
The journalist that exposed the whole "let's fuck farmers over so Adani & Ambani can buy the land cheap" was severely beaten by "unknown men" and now is in critical care...
According to a study by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, nearly 86% of agricultural households in Punjab are in debt.
The same study found that the average amount of debt for each farming household is Rs (rupees). 1,16,801.97
For reference, cultivation generated annual income of Rs. 36,938 and livestock provided Rs. 9,176, per agricultural household.
#IStandWithFarmers
For reference, cultivation generated annual income of Rs. 36,938 and livestock provided Rs. 9,176, per agricultural household.
#IStandWithFarmers
Haryana BJP (Modi's party) leader has joined protestors at Sampla in Jhajjar.
Also, this may be my most favourite update from today, three (3) members of the BJP from Jalandhar have resigned from their positions citing the party is misleading people w lies on the new laws.
Also, this may be my most favourite update from today, three (3) members of the BJP from Jalandhar have resigned from their positions citing the party is misleading people w lies on the new laws.
On the other hand, BJP leader, Anurag Thakur, has stated that these laws WILL (personally, I'm not a fan of this "guarantee") double the income of farmers up to 2022.
My question is what exactly happens in 2023??????
My question is what exactly happens in 2023??????
Protestors are setting up tents (say what you want about South Asians, but when you fuck with us we don't make it easy & we're in it for the long haul) to better deal with the winter weather.
I've seen images of people sleeping under trucks & it's incredibly heart breaking
I've seen images of people sleeping under trucks & it's incredibly heart breaking
Farmer Pal Singh, unfortunately, passed at Delhi's Singhu border. His family received a cheque from Rs. 500,000 from the Cheif Minister of Punjab's government today.
Punjab is aiming to give equal compensation to all the farmers who have passed in the agitation.
Punjab is aiming to give equal compensation to all the farmers who have passed in the agitation.
Apparently, @Facebook is now shutting down pages related to the protests. The page that was being run by the Farmers Union has now been deactivated.
Also, Facebook owns 9.99% of Reliance Jio which is owned by one of the billionaires that are believed to be the reason why these
Also, Facebook owns 9.99% of Reliance Jio which is owned by one of the billionaires that are believed to be the reason why these
farming bills were illegally pushed through.
Protestors are paying tribute to everyone they lost over the last several weeks.
Journalists that are on the ground at the borders are reporting that everyone is still in high spirits but are definitely mourning the losses.
Journalists that are on the ground at the borders are reporting that everyone is still in high spirits but are definitely mourning the losses.
What has amazed me with my journey with all of this is realizing the generational trauma.
Our grandparents survived the Partition of India in 1947 which led to the division of British India into two independent dominion states, India and Pakistan. This resulted in thousands of
Our grandparents survived the Partition of India in 1947 which led to the division of British India into two independent dominion states, India and Pakistan. This resulted in thousands of
deaths, including Gandhi.
Our parents survived the genocide of 1984. In June of 1984, Indira Gandhi ordered the Indian Army to attack the Harmandir Sahib complex in Amritsar, Punjab. The attack resulted in a deadly battle with armed Sikh groups who were demanding greater rights
Our parents survived the genocide of 1984. In June of 1984, Indira Gandhi ordered the Indian Army to attack the Harmandir Sahib complex in Amritsar, Punjab. The attack resulted in a deadly battle with armed Sikh groups who were demanding greater rights
and autonomy for Punjab.
The anti-Sikh riots (aka the 1984 genocide) was a series of organized pogroms against Sikhs in India following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards (retaliation for the attack in June).
The anti-Sikh riots (aka the 1984 genocide) was a series of organized pogroms against Sikhs in India following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards (retaliation for the attack in June).
& now, here we are - the kids, fighting in 2020.
Up until now, many of the protestors don't actually know what the progress looks like as they have a singular stage to communicate. They're installing screens so everyone can become more aware - the convoy is about 7-8 km long.
The farmers have requested that everyone skip one meal to support the #FarmersProtest.
I'll be partaking in this too.
I'll be partaking in this too.
Farmer Union leaders are currently partaking in a relayed hunger strike.
This relay hunger strike means there will always be at-least one farmer on a hunger strike until the farming bills have been repealed.
This relay hunger strike means there will always be at-least one farmer on a hunger strike until the farming bills have been repealed.
Farmers from Rajsthan, Gujrat & Haryana have made it to the Raj-Haryana border.
Also, the Agricultural Minister has said he will meet protesting farmers this coming Monday or Tuesday to resolve the issues.
The resolution is simple - the farmers want the bills repealed.
Also, the Agricultural Minister has said he will meet protesting farmers this coming Monday or Tuesday to resolve the issues.
The resolution is simple - the farmers want the bills repealed.
UPDATE: The page has now been republished!
Probably should have mentioned that the farmers are asking people to skip one meal on DEC 23th (not every day).
Also, if you're looking to get some more updates on what's going on, these are the accounts I have been following:
@amaanbali
@PunYaab
@SikhPA
@amaanbali
@PunYaab
@SikhPA
A few IG accounts have said that protestors are finding sutli bombs.
A sutli bomb is an Indian firecracker popular during the festival of Diwali and other celebrations. It is the noisiest firecracker, exceeding the permissible sound barrier of 145 decibels.
A sutli bomb is an Indian firecracker popular during the festival of Diwali and other celebrations. It is the noisiest firecracker, exceeding the permissible sound barrier of 145 decibels.
Also, Punjab Arhtiyas (commission agents) who have supported the Farmers' Protests are now being raided by the income tax department.
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