The Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) Doaba has announced plans to intensify its agitation against sugar mills in Punjab over pending sugarcane payments that have pushed farmers into financial distress. The decision came during a crucial meeting held at the BKU Doaba office on Sunday, where farmer leaders expressed growing frustration over the mounting dues.
Mounting Financial Pressure on Farmers
According to BKU Doaba president Manjit Singh Rai, the total outstanding amount owed to sugarcane growers has reached an alarming ₹110 crore. This massive financial burden has created severe hardship for farming communities across the region who depend on these payments for their livelihood and agricultural operations.
The meeting saw participation from numerous farmer representatives who highlighted the urgent need for government intervention. Manjit Singh Rai emphasized that despite repeated appeals and previous protests, both sugar mill management and state authorities have failed to address the payment crisis adequately.
Escalation Strategy and Demands
The farmer union has decided to ramp up its protest movement significantly if their demands remain unmet. Manjit Singh Rai stated clearly that the organization would not hesitate to block national highways and stage massive demonstrations to draw attention to their plight.
During the meeting, BKU leaders also discussed forming a delegation to meet with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The delegation plans to present their case directly to the state's highest authority, seeking immediate action to resolve the payment deadlock that has persisted for months.
Broader Implications for Agricultural Community
The sugarcane payment crisis reflects deeper systemic issues affecting Punjab's agricultural sector. Farmers have consistently faced delayed payments from sugar mills, creating cycles of debt and financial instability that threaten the viability of sugarcane cultivation in the region.
The BKU Doaba's decision to intensify their agitation comes amid growing unrest in agricultural communities across Punjab. The union has demonstrated its willingness to employ increasingly assertive protest methods to secure farmers' rights and ensure timely payment for their produce.
With the threat of national highway blockades looming, the state government faces mounting pressure to intervene before the situation escalates further. The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether dialogue or confrontation will characterize the resolution of this ongoing agricultural dispute.
