Farmers across three states held protests today demanding loan waivers, a higher support price for their crops and implementation of other recommendations made by the Swaminathan Commission, which had been focusing on the reasons for farmers' distress. For several hours in Haryana, farmer unions blocked highways. In Madhya Pradesh, where six farmers died in police firing in Mandsaur on June 6, farmers demanded action against the officers responsible. Over the last week, eight farmers have committed suicide in the state. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra -- states which have announced loan waivers for framers -- have also witnessed suicides by several farmers recently.
