Day 261

Toll 565

Spain

No doubt the farmers protest is one of the largest non-violent, constant resistance to neo-liberalism and crony capitalism. However, the Indian farmers are not alone in their woes and resistance.

Earlier this year, in the face of immense protests by farmers, Spain promised a new law which guarantees that retailers cannot sell food below the below the cost of production. This is somewhat like the Minimum Support Price (C2 + 50%) the Indian farmers are demanding.

However, that law alone did not end the protests. The farmers continue to protest for reduction in electricity rates, against trade barriers such as Russian veto, Brexit, Trump’s tariff olives, unfair commercial practices, for better regulation for control of wildfire and so on. They are also raising the issues of aid cut from Europe.

While popular opinion is expenditure on arms and ammunition run economies and strengthen nations, the biggest hit the United States has faced in 2018-19 is, owing to US policies, China refusing to buy its agricultural produce – a loss of $1.3 billion in just that year. This has led to increased farmer suicide and insolvencies in the United States of America.

Saving pennies to lose pounds? Does that sound familiar? Or are we still not paying attention?