By Mayank Bhardwaj

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Indian farmers opposed to reforms they say threaten their livelihoods aim to renew their push against the changes with nationwide protests on Monday, a year after laws on the liberalisation of the sector were introduced.

Tens of thousands of farmers have been camping out along major highways in New Delhi over the last 10 months against the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rakesh, a well-known farmer leader, said that thousands of farmers had gathered in different areas to call on the government to end the law favoring large corporations.

More than 500,000 farmers participated in a protest rally held in Uttar Pradesh this month. This was the largest yet in the campaign to pressure Modi’s government to end the law.

Introduced in September 2013, the legislation de-egulates agriculture and permits farmers to sell to customers outside of government-regulated wholesale markets. This allows them to guarantee a minimum sale price.

According to small farmers, the reforms make them more vulnerable to large-scale business competition. They also fear that price supports for staples like rice and wheat could be lost.

According to the government, reforms will provide new opportunities for farmers and lower prices.

The Indian economy is worth $2.7 trillion and almost half its population lives on farms.

Farmers union leaders claim that their demonstrations will not disrupt emergency services.

Tikait stated that they would also ensure the strike is peaceful.

While the demonstrations are generally peaceful, one protester died and 80 were hurt in clashes between police officers and farmers in New Delhi during January’s tractor procession.