Farm leaders said Saturday’s hunger strike, to coincide with the death anniversary of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, would show Indians that the protesters were overwhelmingly peaceful.
Hundreds of police guarded the historic Red Fort in the heart of the Indian capital on Wednesday following violent clashes between farmers and authorities in which one person was killed and at least 80 injured.
Tens of thousands of farmers, protesting against reforms of the agriculture sector that they say benefit big private buyers at the expense of growers.
Farm leaders said hundreds of thousands of farmers from neighbouring states including Haryana, Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh would drive tractors through New Delhi on January 26.
There is a sort of deadlock as the government repeated the offer of deferring the laws, which is not acceptable.
Broiler chicken prices have fallen to 60 rupees ($0.8192) a kg from around 90 rupees a week ago.
The industry might see some temporary disruption, but we don't see this to be a long term phenomenon and this might correct itself in a period of 15-20 days.
The farmers are strongest in the north of the country, but even the government in the southern state of Karnataka suspended online school lessons for the day to show support.
