Farmers' unions in the Doaba region have announced a series of protests starting Monday, June 29, against prolonged power cuts during the paddy sowing season amid intense heat. The Bharati Kisan Union (BKU) Doaba, along with other farmer groups, plans to block the Behram toll plaza and the Jalandhar-Phillaur highway, as well as gherao Powercom offices in Jalandhar.
Protest Schedule and Locations
According to union leaders, on June 29, members of BKU Doaba will block the Behram toll plaza, while the Phillaur unit of BKU Doaba, in coordination with BKU Qadian, will block traffic on the Jalandhar-Phillaur highway. Meanwhile, BKU Ekta Sidhupur members will hold a dharna outside the office of the Chief Engineer of Powercom in Jalandhar. The protests will continue on June 30 with demonstrations outside the offices of XENs (Executive Engineers) of Powercom across the region.
Reason for Protests
The protests stem from prolonged power cuts during the peak paddy sowing season, when crops require continuous water. Farmers have warned that they could suffer heavy losses if power supply to their fields is not restored on a priority basis. Davinder Singh Sandhwan, vice-president of BKU Doaba, stated, “The crop needs to remain submerged throughout the day, but the current supply is inadequate. Farmers spend around ₹15,000 per acre on sowing, and in many fields, crops are already drying up. Any further delay will affect yield and cause heavy losses.” He added that farmers had followed the government’s sowing schedule and questioned why adequate arrangements were not made despite the peak season.
Leaders' Statements
Balwinder Singh Sabi, a BKU Doaba leader from Phillaur, said, “We will block the Phillaur-Jalandhar highway along with BKU Qadian. Despite assurances, fields are running dry. If this continues, farmers will face massive losses.” Kulwinder Singh Machine of BKU Ekta Sidhupur said his union would gherao key Powercom offices in Jalandhar. “Power cuts are delaying sowing. Any further delay will harm the crop. The government must address the crisis immediately,” he said.
Impact on Agriculture
The power cuts come at a critical time for paddy farmers, as the crop requires standing water for optimal growth. With temperatures remaining high, the lack of electricity for irrigation pumps has led to drying fields and delayed sowing. Farmers estimate that delays beyond the current window could significantly reduce yields, leading to financial distress for thousands of families in the Doaba region.
