Splits in SKM could mean an opportunity to unify farmers is lost

Centre's move to form a panel on making the minimum support price (MSP) mechanism effective and keeping three positions vacant in it for SKM representatives has triggered strong disapproval from it

After almost eight months, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the conglomerate of farmers’ groups across India, is once again in the spotlight.

This time, the Centre’s move to form a 29-member panel on making the minimum support price (MSP) mechanism effective and keeping three positions vacant in it for SKM representatives has triggered strong disapproval from it.

SKM leaders have termed the composition of the committee and its terms of reference a breach of trust and the assurance the government had given at the time of repealing the three farm laws and the suspension of the agitation.

Their argument is that the Centre’s