Farmers in Punjab Plan Road Blockade Over Paddy Procurement Issues
Farmers in Punjab are gearing up for a one-day protest against the state government, focusing on demands related to paddy procurement. The protest, set to begin on October 26, will involve road blockades at four locations: Sangrur, Moga, Phagwara, and Batala. Surjeet Singh Phul, Chairman of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Krantikari) Punjab, announced the protest, highlighting the “tardy” paddy procurement process.
Government Response
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticized the AAP government in Punjab for failing to support farmers and for filing FIRs against them. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reached out to the Central Government for assistance in paddy procurement. He has discussed the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking solutions for rice millers and emphasizing Punjab’s significant contribution to the central food pool.
Efforts to Resolve Issues
Chief Minister Mann has assured that most demands of the millers have been addressed and is hopeful for a resolution following a meeting with the Home Minister. He stressed the importance of timely procurement to ensure smooth wheat production. A critical meeting in Delhi, chaired by Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi, aimed to strategize efficient food grain procurement in Punjab.
Mann also highlighted the need for proper milling facilities, with rice milling set to begin on November 15. He emphasized the economic importance of the harvest season for Punjab, likening it to a festival.
Doubts Revealed
Paddy Procurement -: Paddy procurement is the process of buying rice crops from farmers by the government or other agencies. It ensures that farmers get a fair price for their produce.
Road Blockade -: A road blockade is when people gather to block roads, stopping vehicles from passing. It’s a form of protest to draw attention to their demands.
Bhartiya Kisan Union -: The Bhartiya Kisan Union is an organization that represents farmers in India. They work to protect farmers’ rights and interests.
AAP Government -: AAP stands for Aam Aadmi Party, a political party in India. They are currently in power in Punjab, where the protest is happening.
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a member of the central government in India. They are responsible for specific areas like agriculture, finance, or defense.
Punjab CM -: Punjab CM refers to the Chief Minister of Punjab, who is the head of the state government. Bhagwant Mann is the current Chief Minister.
Central Government -: The Central Government is the national government of India, which makes decisions for the entire country. It is different from state governments like Punjab’s.
Union Home Minister -: The Union Home Minister is a central government official responsible for internal security and domestic policy in India. Amit Shah is the current Home Minister.
