#Review: Farmer Power by Sudhir Kumar Suthar

Farmer Power is one of those books that doesn’t just recount a movement—it helps you feel the weight of the moment. Sudhir Kumar Suthar brings together the political, the personal, and the structural in a way that feels both empathetic and analytical. What I appreciated most was the clarity with which he traces the evolution of the 2020–21 protests, situating them within a decade-long buildup of unresolved agricultural concerns. It’s not simply a chronology of marches and sit-ins; it’s an exploration of what pushed lakhs of farmers to camp at Delhi’s borders through a harsh year.

The writing, at times, can lean towards academic detailing, especially when it dives deep into policy frameworks and procurement systems. But honestly, that depth also gives the book its strength—it doesn’t gloss over complexities for the sake of readability.

What stayed with me is how human the narrative feels despite its rigorous research. The book highlights resilience without romanticising it, and policy failures without becoming preachy. For anyone trying to understand why the protests became a historic turning point rather than a passing agitation, this account offers a grounded, thoughtful entry point.

Find this book here.