Bathinda: A delegation of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), Punjab, on Friday met Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria and submitted a 16-point charter of demands. The demands include revocation of the notification ending Punjab's permanent membership in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), legal guarantee of MSP under the C2+50% formula for all crops, and opposition to trade agreements with the US.
Key Demands Presented
The delegation also sought debt relief for farmers and labourers, withdrawal of the proposed electricity and seed bills, formulation of a state agriculture policy, measures to check fertiliser shortage and black marketing, rollback of fuel price hikes, removal of diesel limits for the farm sector, and reopening of trade through the Attari and Hussainiwala road and rail corridors. The governor assured them that their demands would be taken up with the Centre and the Punjab government.
Agriculture and Water Crisis
Farmer leaders said Punjab was facing a severe agriculture and water crisis and stressed the need for crop diversification, canal water for every farm, clean drinking water supply, and repair of the state's canal infrastructure. They also demanded repeal of Sections 78, 79 and 80 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, withdrawal of the Dam Safety Act, and steps to prevent river pollution.
Demanding the formulation and implementation of a sustainable, profitable, environment-friendly and farmer-friendly agricultural policy in the state, the farmer leaders said that to promote agricultural diversification in the state, a law should be made and implemented to guarantee the purchase of crops under the C2+50% formula. Farmers are stuck in debt due to farmers not getting a fair price for their crops, they said.
