Explain Bharatiya Kisan Unions (BKUs).

Bharatiya Kisan Unions (BKUs) are agricultural labor and farmer unions in India that advocate for the rights and welfare of farmers, agricultural workers, and rural communities. These unions represent the interests of small and marginal farmers, landless laborers, and other stakeholders in the agrarian sector. BKUs emerged in response to the challenges faced by farmers, including agrarian distress, indebtedness, crop failures, and lack of government support.

BKUs operate at the grassroots level, organizing farmers into collective entities to address common issues and grievances. They mobilize farmers through protests, demonstrations, strikes, and other forms of direct action to demand policy reforms, fair prices for agricultural produce, access to credit and subsidies, and protection from exploitation by middlemen and corporate interests.

Key objectives of BKUs include advocating for agrarian reforms, such as land redistribution, tenancy rights, and access to irrigation facilities, to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities in rural areas. They also campaign for measures to mitigate the impact of climate change, ensure food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

BKUs play a crucial role in representing farmers' interests in negotiations with government authorities, policymakers, and corporate entities. They seek to influence agricultural policies and legislation to address the needs of small-scale farmers and rural communities, particularly in the context of globalization, liberalization, and privatization of the agricultural sector.

Over the years, BKUs have been involved in various struggles and movements to defend farmers' rights and livelihoods. They have organized protests against land acquisition for industrial projects, demanded relief measures for farmers affected by natural disasters, and called for the implementation of minimum support prices (MSP) for agricultural produce.

Despite facing challenges such as government repression, police violence, and internal divisions, BKUs continue to be active and influential actors in India's agrarian politics. Their advocacy efforts have contributed to raising awareness about the plight of farmers and shaping public discourse on agricultural issues in the country.