Farmers in Haryana Stage Protest Against New Procurement Norms by Locking Grain Market Gates
In a significant demonstration of dissent, farmers in Jind, Haryana, locked the gates of the local grain market on Monday to protest against the state government's new procurement norms. The agitation, led by activists of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), saw farmers expressing strong resentment, with the protest continuing for three hours before the gates were reopened, allowing crop procurement activities to resume.
Protest Details and Demands
The farmers not only locked the gates of the grain market but also secured the entrance to the market committee office as part of their protest. During this time, they staged a sit-in within the grain market premises and raised slogans against the government, highlighting their dissatisfaction with the new rules. Police personnel were deployed in the area to monitor the situation and ensure order.
Addressing the protesting farmers, BKU district president Binder Numberdar emphasized that the agitation would persist until the government withdraws the new procurement norms. He also brought attention to the severe losses farmers have incurred due to recent unseasonal rain and hailstorms, demanding adequate compensation for these damages.
Criticism of Facilities and Procurement Methods
The protesting farmers criticized the market committee for failing to provide proper facilities, such as accommodation and seating, in the farmers' rest house located adjacent to the office building. They argued that if gate passes could be issued manually during disruptions in the e-procurement portal, then crop procurement should also be allowed to proceed manually. This point underscored their call for the government to withdraw the new norms promptly to avoid further inconvenience.
Response from Officials
Meanwhile, officials claimed that all necessary arrangements had been made to ensure smooth procurement processes. However, the farmers' protest highlighted ongoing tensions and the need for dialogue to address their concerns effectively.
The protest in Jind reflects broader issues faced by farmers in Haryana, as they seek fair treatment and support in the face of changing agricultural policies and environmental challenges.
