Farmers, Commission Agents, and Rice Millers Plan Big Protest in Punjab
In Punjab, India, farmers, commission agents, and rice millers are gearing up for a major protest against government policies on crop procurement starting October 13. Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal has criticized the Punjab and Delhi governments for failing to begin crop procurement by October 1, causing unrest among stakeholders. He highlighted the worsening conditions in the mandis and accused the government of neglecting farmers’ issues.
Rajewal announced that a ‘Chakka Jam’ will take place across Punjab on October 13 from 12 noon to 3 pm. Additionally, a joint meeting of all Punjab unions is scheduled for October 14 at Kisan Bhawan to plan further actions. He warned that if the government does not address their concerns, a larger protest similar to the Delhi border farmers’ agitation will be launched.
Earlier this month, on October 3, several trains were delayed in Punjab’s Ferozepur division due to a ‘Rail Roko’ protest by farmers marking the third anniversary of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri incident. Although 17 trains were delayed, officials ensured that passengers were not inconvenienced, providing access to basic amenities. The farmers are demanding a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Doubts Revealed
Farmers -: Farmers are people who grow crops and raise animals for food and other products. In Punjab, many farmers grow rice and wheat.
Commission Agents -: Commission agents are people who help farmers sell their crops. They connect farmers with buyers and earn a fee for their service.
Rice Millers -: Rice millers are people or companies that process raw rice into the rice we eat. They remove the husk and polish the rice grains.
Punjab -: Punjab is a state in northern India known for its agriculture, especially wheat and rice farming.
Protest -: A protest is when people gather to show they are unhappy about something. They want to bring attention to their issues and ask for change.
Crop Procurement Policies -: Crop procurement policies are rules set by the government about how and when they will buy crops from farmers. These policies affect how much money farmers can earn.
Balbir Singh Rajewal -: Balbir Singh Rajewal is a leader of farmers in Punjab. He helps organize protests and speaks for farmers’ rights.
Chakka Jam -: Chakka Jam is a type of protest where people block roads to stop traffic. It is done to get attention and show how serious the protestors are.
Rail Roko -: Rail Roko is a protest where people stop trains from moving. It is done to show their demands are important and need attention.
Minimum Support Price (MSP) -: Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the lowest price the government promises to pay farmers for their crops. It helps ensure farmers earn enough money for their hard work.
