52% farmers oppose new agri laws over MSP fears: Survey

New Delhi: A perception survey of over 5,000 farmers across regions shows that while 52% were opposed to the three new farm laws, chiefly due to fears that MSP will be done away with, there is more support for the changes among marginal and small farmers. According to the survey carried out by Gaon Connection, around 57% of those who opposed the changes feared they will be forced to sell produce at a lower price in the open market.

Of those opposed to the laws, 33% said they felt the government will end the system of minimum support price (MSP). A significant 59% respondent farmers want the MSP system to be made a mandatory law. Of the 35% farmers who supported the laws, 47% favour them because they believe it will give them freedom to sell their crop anywhere in the country. The survey shows that a bigger proportion of marginal and small farmers, who own less than five acres land, support these farm laws in comparison to medium and large farmers.

Of the 52% opposing the farm laws, over 36% were not informed about the details of these changes. Similarly, of the 35% supporting them, almost 18% were not informed about the laws. Hence, there is a section of farmers who are supporting or opposing the farm laws without having full information about them.


The rapid survey conducted between October 3 to 9 covered 53 districts across 16 states. Of those surveyed, 72% farmers, or three-fourth, owned less than five acres of land. Overall, around 63% farmers reported that they have sold their crop produce at MSP. Percentage of farmers selling their agricultural produce at MSP was more in the case of medium and large farmers (75%) in comparison to the small and marginal farmers (58%). Overall 46% respondents farmers said they thought the three bills will lead to big corporates/private companies exploiting farmers.