The Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) Doaba has decided to escalate its protest movement against the persistent non-payment of sugarcane dues to farmers across Punjab. The farmer organization is taking this strong stance as outstanding payments have accumulated to approximately ₹110 crore, creating severe financial distress among the agricultural community.
Mounting Financial Pressure on Farmers
According to BKU Doaba general secretary Satnam Singh Sahni, the situation has reached a critical point where farmers cannot wait any longer for their legitimate payments. The total outstanding amount of ₹110 crore represents months of unpaid dues that farmers rely on for their livelihood and agricultural operations.
The organization has identified several sugar mills that have consistently failed to clear their payment obligations to farmers. This includes both private and cooperative sugar mills that have been operating in the region while accumulating significant debt to the very farmers who supply them with raw materials.
Plan of Action and Protest Strategy
The BKU Doaba has outlined a comprehensive strategy to intensify their agitation until all pending payments are cleared. The organization plans to organize massive protests outside the offices of defaulting sugar mills across the Doaba region and beyond.
Farmer leaders have made it clear that they will not retreat from their protest positions until each rupee owed to farmers is transferred to their accounts. The agitation will involve daily demonstrations, road blockades where necessary, and continuous dharnas targeting the management of sugar mills that have failed to honor their financial commitments.
Broader Implications for Punjab Agriculture
This growing conflict over sugarcane payments reflects deeper structural issues within Punjab's agricultural economy. The persistent delay in clearing farmer dues creates a cascading effect that impacts the entire agricultural ecosystem, from input suppliers to seasonal laborers.
Industry experts warn that such payment delays could eventually affect sugarcane cultivation patterns in the region, as farmers might shift to other crops if they cannot rely on timely payments for their produce. This would have long-term consequences for both the sugar industry and the agricultural diversity of Punjab.
The BKU Doaba has called upon state authorities to intervene urgently and ensure that sugar mills clear all outstanding payments immediately. The organization has warned that if the government fails to address this issue promptly, the protest movement could expand to include more farmer groups and take on a larger political dimension.
