Report by Mazdoor Ekta Committee’s correspondent
Farmers led by Bharatiya Kisan Union-Ugrahan began demonstrations on 17 October 2024 in various districts of Punjab in support of their demands.
There is, in fact, a struggle going on all over Punjab regarding the poor system of paddy procurement, shortage of DAP fertilizer and stubble. Protests are being held at about 50 toll plazas and houses of leaders of political parties.
Farmers say that the policies of the central government are anti-farmer. They point to the three farm laws, which the farmers forced the central government to withdraw through their struggle. Farmers say that an attempt is being made to bring in the farm laws through the back door. The paddy crop of the farmers is not being purchased. During the struggle, farmers have protested by burning the effigy of the central government and capitalist houses.
According to the farmers, there has been some increase in the purchase of paddy after the struggle. But the matter of DAP fertilizer is still pending. Their struggle will continue till the shortage of DAP is addressed.
Farmers said that they are not in favour of burning stubble, but the governments are not ready to give them adequate compensation for stubble management. He said that their struggle will continue on the issues of stubble and DAP fertilizer.
The main demands of the farmers are:
- Start the purchase of paddy at full MSP without any conditions
- The government encouraged farmers to plant PR 126 paddy seed instead of Pusa 44 to reduce water consumption. Farmers realised a lower yield from this seed. The government should compensate for this loss
- Raise the moisture content of paddy up to 22 percent
- Meet the demand for wages of mandi workers and other legitimate demands
- Exit from the World Trade Organization.
- Give a bonus of Rs 200 per quintal for eliminating stubble without burning it. Stop the forceful process of filing cases, imposing fines or making red entries. Withdraw such punitive steps taken earlier.