2019 · GS Paper 2 · Q3 · 10 marks
What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods?
In short
Farmers' organisations influence policy through mass agitation, electoral bargaining, lobbying through party wings and long marches, and are most effective at blocking unpopular measures. The year-long border protest forced the Farm Laws Repeal Act 2021, though a legal MSP guarantee remains unmet.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 274 words
Mass agitation
Mahendra Singh Tikait's Bharatiya Kisan Union occupied Delhi's Boat Club in 1988, and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha united over 40 unions at Delhi's borders in 2020-21.
Electoral bargaining
Leaders from Charan Singh to Sharad Joshi turned agrarian votes into leverage, making loan waivers a routine poll promise.
Direct action
The 2018 Kisan Long March walked about 180 km from Nashik to Mumbai to press its demands.
Blocking laws
The border protest forced the Farm Laws Repeal Act 2021, and the 2015 land acquisition ordinance lapsed.
Prices and relief
MSP was fixed at least 1.5 times the cost of production from 2018-19, and Maharashtra's 2017 strike won a loan waiver.
Narrow beneficiaries
The Shanta Kumar Committee (2015) found only about 6% of farmers sell at MSP, so gains favour Punjab and Haryana's surplus growers.
Unmet demands
A legal MSP guarantee is still pending despite the 2024 Shambhu border protests, and agitation can stall market reforms.
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This chapter in the exam
Pressure Groups & Formal/Informal Associations and Their Role in the Polity8 questions
Asked in 7 of 14 sittings since 2013
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- 2025Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2019 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.