(a) Chipko Movement & Appiko Movement
Introduction
The Chipko Movement (1973) and Appiko Movement (1983) are two of India’s most significant environmental movements, aimed at protecting forests and preserving ecological balance. Both movements were based on non-violent resistance and community participation, led primarily by tribal and rural communities dependent on forests for their livelihoods.
1. Chipko Movement (Uttarakhand, 1973)
- The Chipko Movement started in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand as a response to large-scale commercial deforestation by government and private contractors.
- Led by Sunderlal Bahuguna, Chandi Prasad Bhatt, and rural women, villagers hugged trees (Chipko means ‘to hug’) to prevent them from being cut down.
- It raised awareness about sustainable forest management and influenced India’s forest conservation policies.
- The movement led to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, which restricted deforestation in ecologically sensitive areas.
2. Appiko Movement (Karnataka, 1983)
- Inspired by the Chipko Movement, the Appiko Movement emerged in the Western Ghats of Karnataka.
- Led by Pandurang Hegde, the movement aimed to protect indigenous forests from logging, monoculture plantations, and commercial exploitation.
- The movement adopted the same method of tree-hugging and focused on biodiversity conservation and the rights of forest-dependent communities.
- It successfully halted deforestation in many areas and promoted reforestation initiatives.
3. Impact and Legacy
- Both movements highlighted the importance of grassroots activism in environmental protection.
- They influenced India’s forest policies and ecological conservation laws.
- The movements also empowered rural communities, especially women, to participate in environmental activism.
The Chipko and Appiko Movements remain symbols of environmental justice, inspiring future ecological movements in India and globally.
(b) Globalization and Farmers’ Movements
Introduction
Globalization has had both positive and negative impacts on Indian farmers, leading to the rise of farmers’ movements that demand fair trade policies, subsidies, and protection from foreign competition. These movements have protested against corporate agriculture, unfair trade agreements, and government policies that favor large agribusinesses over small farmers.
1. Impact of Globalization on Indian Farmers
A. Positive Impacts
- Increased access to global markets and better agricultural technologies.
- Introduction of high-yield seeds, advanced irrigation, and modern farming techniques.
B. Negative Impacts
- Liberalization of the agricultural sector led to increased competition from foreign agribusinesses.
- Decline in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for key crops due to free market policies.
- Rise in farm debt and rural distress, leading to farmer suicides.
2. Major Farmers’ Movements Against Globalization
A. Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) Protest (1993)
- Opposed the entry of global agribusinesses like Monsanto into India.
- Protested against patents on seeds and genetically modified (GM) crops.
B. Anti-WTO Farmers’ Movement
- Farmers protested against WTO’s Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), which they argued favored developed nations.
- Example: The 1999 Seattle Protests saw Indian farmers joining global activists against unfair trade policies.
C. 2020–2021 Farmers’ Protest in India
- Farmers opposed three new farm laws, fearing corporate control over agriculture.
- Led by organizations like Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) and All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS).
- The protest led to the repeal of the farm laws in 2021.
3. Challenges and the Future of Farmers’ Movements
- Rural distress and climate change continue to threaten farmers.
- Global agribusinesses and free trade policies remain controversial issues.
- Strengthening local cooperatives, organic farming, and fair pricing policies are key solutions.
Farmers’ movements remain crucial for protecting agricultural communities, ensuring food security, and resisting corporate dominance in the era of globalization.
Conclusion
Both the environmental and farmers’ movements highlight the impact of globalization and economic policies on India’s rural and ecological systems. While Chipko and Appiko focused on forest conservation, farmers’ movements have fought for agricultural rights and food sovereignty. These struggles reflect the growing need for sustainable development and inclusive policies in India’s changing economy.
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