Peasant movements have existed from pre-colonial days. Between 1858 and 1914, these movements remained localised, disjointed and confined to particular grievances. Examples include the Bengal revolt against indigo plantations and the Deccan riots against moneylenders. Later, under Gandhi's leadership, they became linked to the Independence movement.

Between 1920-1940, formal organisations like the Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha (1929) and All India Kisan Sabha (1936) emerged. They demanded freedom from economic exploitation for peasants, workers and exploited classes. Notable movements include the Tebhaga movement (sharecroppers demanding two-thirds share) and the Telangana movement against feudal conditions, both supported by the Communist Party of India.

In contrast, New Farmer's movements began in the 1970s in Punjab and Tamil Nadu. These were regionally organised and non-party in nature. Unlike peasants, farmers were market-involved as both commodity producers and purchasers. Their ideology was anti-state and anti-urban.

The demands focused on 'price and related issues' like price procurement, remunerative prices, input prices, taxation, and loan non-repayment. They used novel methods like blocking roads and railways and refusing politicians.