Farmers submit memorandum to resume paddy procurement in closed mandis

Samyukta Kisan Morcha sent a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Punjab through the Deputy Commissioner of Firozpur. It appeals for the immediate resumption of paddy procurement inside the closed mandis of the state and the announcement of the sugarcane crop price.

This delegation was led by Krantikari Kisan Union members Gurmeet Singh Mahima (State General Secretary), Avtar Singh Mahima (Vice President), Dilbag Singh Sursinghwala (District President), Suraj Prakash Bajeke and Jaswinder Singh.

Farmer leaders stated that the administration has stopped procurement work in 400 mandis across the state. On the other hand, farmers are continuously bringing paddy of varieties like Pusa-44 and PR-126 to sell.

They stated that in the areas of Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Mansa, Bathinda, Faridkot, Moga, Barnala and Sangrur in the Malwa region, more than 35 percent of paddy is still rotting in the mandis.

The leaders said that this year the total production of paddy in the state is estimated to exceed 220 lakh tonnes, but the government has done injustice to the farmers by keeping the procurement target at only 180 lakh tonnes.

Talking about sugarcane cultivators, they said that crushing is about to start in the mills but the government has not fixed the price yet. The promise made during the Chandigarh dharna to give a higher price than neighboring states and make full payment from a single place has also been left incomplete.

The organization demanded fixing the price of sugarcane at Rs 500 per quintal, immediate release of past dues and ensuring payment from a single counter. They warned that if the issues are not resolved, a sharp struggle will be launched.

Key developments

• Samyukta Kisan Morcha sends memorandum to Chief Minister via Deputy Commissioner
• Demand to restore paddy procurement in 400 closed mandis of Punjab
• Claim that more than 35 percent crop lies unsold in several districts
• Appeal to announce sugarcane price of Rs 500 per quintal and clear dues