Punjab Farmers Postpone Rail Blockade Protest Over Wheat Procurement Delays
Farmer unions in Punjab, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), and Azad Kisan Morcha (AKM), have postponed a statewide 'rail roko' agitation scheduled for Friday. The decision follows discussions with government officials who assured improvements in wheat procurement arrangements. The unions have granted the Punjab and central governments a three-day ultimatum to initiate effective procurement processes; otherwise, protests will resume at 21 locations across the state. The agitation stems from growing farmer anger over delayed wheat purchases and significant crop losses due to recent unseasonal rains and hailstorms. Although the Food Corporation of India recommended relaxing quality parameters for damaged grains, Punjab farmers allege that neighboring states like Haryana and Rajasthan received earlier approvals for these norms, while Punjab faces bureaucratic delays. Union leaders also criticized poor market infrastructure, citing a lack of gunny bags and basic facilities, which forces farmers into distress sales below the minimum support price (MSP). The KMM plans to review the implementation of relaxation norms in Ludhiana before deciding on further action.
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Punjab Farmers Postpone Rail Blockade Protest Over Wheat Procurement Delays
Farmer unions in Punjab, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), and Azad Kisan Morcha (AKM), have postponed a statewide 'rail roko' agitation scheduled for Friday. The decision follows discussions with government officials who assured improvements in wheat procurement arrangements. The unions have granted the Punjab and central governments a three-day ultimatum to initiate effective procurement processes; otherwise, protests will resume at 21 locations across the state. The agitation stems from growing farmer anger over delayed wheat purchases and significant crop losses due to recent unseasonal rains and hailstorms. Although the Food Corporation of India recommended relaxing quality parameters for damaged grains, Punjab farmers allege that neighboring states like Haryana and Rajasthan received earlier approvals for these norms, while Punjab faces bureaucratic delays. Union leaders also criticized poor market infrastructure, citing a lack of gunny bags and basic facilities, which forces farmers into distress sales below the minimum support price (MSP). The KMM plans to review the implementation of relaxation norms in Ludhiana before deciding on further action.
The Indian Express