President Droupadi Murmu has declined a request from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) for a meeting on the issues related to the farming community, citing a lack of time. The SKM, in in a letter to the President, had sought her intervention on urgent agricultural issues, including farner leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s inadequate crop prices, skyrocketing production costs, and the crippling debt burden faced by farmers across the nation.

Expressing disappointment, the SKM acknowledged the President’s gesture of providing a formal written response. “We deeply regret that the President could not meet us due to her packed schedule. However, we appreciate her for considering our request and for the respect shown in offering a written reply,” the SKM said.

The farmers’ collective emphasized the critical need for the President’s involvement, given the failure of other institutions, including the central government and the Supreme Court, to resolve the ongoing crisis.

Central to the SKM’s appeal is the escalating urgency of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike, now in its 41st day. The SKM had described the situation as life-threatening and criticized the inaction of the government and judiciary. “The President, as the head of state, bears a constitutional responsibility to ensure that democratic institutions uphold their commitments to justice and fairness,” the SKM remarked.

The SKM’s statement went beyond immediate concerns, condemning the government’s recently introduced Draft National Policy Framework on Agriculture Marketing. Describing it as “an even greater threat than the now-repealed three farm laws,” the SKM accused the government of enabling corporate intrusion into agriculture.

“This policy is a direct attack on farmers, agricultural workers, small traders, and state governments. It prioritizes agribusiness profits over the livelihoods of millions and undermines the federal structure of our democracy,” the statement declared.

The SKM emphasized that the President’s role extends beyond ceremonial duties, calling on her to champion the cause of farmers who are the backbone of the nation. “The survival of Indian agriculture is not just an issue of economic policy—it is a matter of national security, food sovereignty, and rural stability,” the statement read.

Despite the setback, the SKM reiterated its commitment to peaceful dialogue and democratic engagement. The pan-India farmers’ body expressed hope that Rashtrapati Bhavan would reconsider its decision and open channels for a meaningful discussion with farmer representatives.