In a continuation of their protests, farmer unions aligned with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) (Non-Political) announced plans to disrupt traffic across major highways in Punjab for four hours, starting at 1 PM. This action follows a tumultuous ‘chakka jam’ that left thousands of commuters stranded just a day earlier, highlighting the growing tensions surrounding the delayed procurement of paddy.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher voiced his frustration over the lack of accountability from both state and federal authorities, who seem more interested in playing the blame game while countless farmers languish in mandis, awaiting the support they desperately need.
Pandher also criticized former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh for his recent visit to the grain market in Khanna, asserting that instead of engaging in political theatrics, he should take the initiative to hold discussions with the Centre to expedite solutions. He expressed concern that it has been nearly a week since a Central team was supposed to evaluate the issue of significant rice breakage, particularly in the PR-126 hybrid variety, and millers remain hesitant to lift the harvested crops, exacerbating the crisis.
The ongoing procurement dilemma is poised to have a severe trickle-down impact on Punjab’s economy, according to Pandher. He emphasized that the agriculture sector contributes approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore to the state’s economic landscape. If farmers fail to receive equitable prices for their yield, local businesses, labor markets, and industries will inevitably face dire repercussions, impacting the livelihood of many.
The following roads will be blocked as part of the protest against the stalled procurement and lifting of paddy in Punjab:
1. Amritsar-Delhi highway, Phagwara, Kapurthala district
2. Badrukhan, Sangrur-Bathinda highway, Sangrur
3. Dagru, Moga-Ferozepur highway, Moga.
4. Satiali Phul, Gurdaspur Tanda highway, Gurdaspur
5. Batala railway station, Batala
Interview with Ranjit Singh, Spokesperson for the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM)
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Ranjit. To start, can you explain the reasoning behind today’s planned disruption of traffic across major highways in Punjab?
Ranjit Singh: Thank you for having me. Our planned disruption is a continuation of our peaceful protests against the policies that we believe are detrimental to farmers and their livelihoods. We feel that direct action is necessary to draw attention to our cause and amplify our demands for fair treatment and support from the government.
Editor: This follows your recent ‘chakka jam’ that left many commuters stranded. How do you respond to critics who say this disrupts ordinary people’s lives?
Ranjit Singh: We understand that our actions can cause inconvenience to the public, and we sincerely apologize for that. However, the plight of farmers has reached a breaking point, and our protests are aimed at generating awareness and urgency around these issues. We hope that the public can empathize with our situation and support our struggle for justice.
Editor: What specific demands are you putting forth to the government during this protest?
Ranjit Singh: Our main demands include better pricing for our produce, compensation for crop losses, and the withdrawal of any policies that undermine our farming practices. We’re seeking a dialogue with the government to address these issues comprehensively.
Editor: How long do you expect this disruption to last, and what are you anticipating in terms of government response?
Ranjit Singh: The disruption is planned for four hours, from 1 PM to 5 PM. We hope the government will recognize the seriousness of our concerns and engage with us constructively after witnessing public support for our cause during this protest.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Ranjit. We wish you the best with today’s activities.
Ranjit Singh: Thank you for giving us a platform to voice our concerns.
>Editor: Can you elaborate on the specific issues the farmer unions are facing that prompted this action?
Ranjit Singh: Certainly. The core issue revolves around the delayed procurement of paddy. Farmers are waiting for the government to lift their crops, and this delay is causing significant financial stress. Our protests aim to highlight the urgency of these matters. In addition, many farmers are struggling with issues like the significant rice breakage we’ve encountered, especially with the PR-126 hybrid variety. Millers are hesitant to lift these crops, further worsening the situation.
Editor: You mentioned the lack of accountability from authorities. Can you explain what you mean by that?
Ranjit Singh: Yes. There’s a noticeable absence of urgency from both state and federal authorities. Instead of addressing the root problems, we see them playing a blame game, which does not bring any solutions for the farmers waiting in the mandis. This is frustrating for us. We need our leaders to take action and facilitate discussions that lead to concrete solutions rather than engaging in political theatrics.
Editor: You referenced the former Chief Minister’s visit to the grain market. What do you believe should have been his approach?
Ranjit Singh: His approach should have been to engage directly with the central government to expedite discussions on our issues. Instead of a publicity visit, we need practical steps that can lead to immediate action and relief for farmers. Dialoguing with the government could potentially resolve the pressing procurement issues and stabilize the situation.
Editor: what do you foresee in terms of the economic implications for Punjab if this situation remains unresolved?
Ranjit Singh: The implications are quite severe. The agricultural sector is a significant pillar of Punjab’s economy, contributing roughly Rs 1.5 lakh crore. If farmers continue to sell their produce at inequitable prices, it won’t just affect their livelihoods; it will lead to a domino effect on local businesses, labor markets, and industries. We risk not only an agricultural crisis but an economic one that could impact many families across Punjab.
Editor: Thank you, Ranjit, for shedding light on these pressing issues facing the farmers in Punjab. We appreciate your time and insights.
Ranjit Singh: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep these conversations going.
