This archive report was first published on 19 November 2021.
On November 19, 2021, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise announcement, conceding to year-long protests by angry farmers. He announced that his government would repeal the contentious farm laws aimed at overhauling the country's struggling agriculture sector.
Mr. Modi's decision came after thousands of farmers protested at the gates of the capital, refusing any compromise short of repealing the measures. The protesters remained in their tents through last year's harsh winter, the summer heat, and a deadly Covid-19 wave that caused havoc in New Delhi.
Mr. Modi's government had argued that the new laws would bring private investment into a sector that more than 60 percent of India's population still depends on for their livelihood. However, the farmers feared that reduced government regulations would leave them at the mercy of corporate giants.
Mr. Modi's televised address stated, 'We have decided to repeal all three farm laws, and will begin the procedure at the Parliament session that begins this month. I urge the protesting farmers to return home to their families, and let's start afresh.'
