• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

The farmers union in Punjab including the Kishan Majdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) have announced a state-wide "Rail Roko" protest scheduled on April 17 to protest the sluggist pace of wheat procurement. The agitation will take place from 12 pm in afteroon to 3 pm across various locations in state.

Reasons Behind The Protest

Following a joint-meeting in Chandigarh, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher highlighted that the unreasonable rain and hailstorms in state have already severely damaged crops, despite these losses, the government failed to streamline procurement process.

Currently, harvested wheat is lying in the open at various grain markets (mandis), leaving it vulnerable to further weather damage.

ALSO READ: China's Viral AI Restaurant: Robots Scan Diner's Tongues and Faces To Suggest Perfect Health-Focused Meal

Farmers have raised several critical concerns:

Exploitation by traders: Allegations suggest that private traders are exploiting the procurement delay to force farmers into selling their produce at prices significantly below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Relaxation of norms: Unions are demanding an immediate start to procurement and a relaxation in quality specifications to ensure that rain-affected grains are still purchased by the government.

ALSO READ: Union Minister Manohar Lal Unveils Operational Guidelines For Urban Challenge Fund

Mismanagement In Grain Markets

Beyond procurement delays, there is widespread anger regarding the lack of infrastructure in the mandis. Farmers report a critical shortage of gunny bags and a complete lack of basic amenities, including drinking water, toilets and shaded areas.

Potential Impact

The three-hour blockade is expected to disrupt railway services across the state significantly. Farmer leaders have warned that this protest is a necessity to save their livelihood and have appealed for public support. They further cautioned that if the government does not address their grievances immediately, the movement will be intensified in the coming days. Local administrations remain on high alert as the protest poses a significant logistical challenge.


Also In News