Thousands of frustrated farmers across Punjab took to the streets on Thursday, surrounding district administrative offices in a massive protest against delayed paddy procurement and pending payments. The agitation spread across multiple districts as agricultural producers expressed their growing anger over what they call government inaction during the crucial harvest season.
Widespread Protests Across Multiple Districts
The farmer demonstrations were particularly intense in Mansa, Bathinda, and Sangrur districts, where large groups of agricultural workers gathered outside Deputy Commissioners' offices. In Mansa, the situation became particularly heated as protesters blocked all entry and exit points to the DC's residence, effectively trapping officials inside until their demands were addressed.
According to eyewitness accounts, the farmers arrived early in the morning and formed human chains around the administrative buildings. They carried banners and shouted slogans demanding immediate resolution to the procurement crisis that has left thousands of farming families in financial distress during the peak harvesting period.
Core Issues Behind the Farmer Anger
The primary grievance driving the protests centers around significant delays in paddy procurement operations across the state. Farmers reported that despite bringing their produce to designated procurement centers, government agencies and private millers have been slow to purchase the crops, leaving valuable harvests exposed to the elements and potential damage.
Another major concern involves outstanding payments for previously procured paddy. Many farmers revealed that they haven't received payments for crops that were purchased weeks ago, creating severe cash flow problems for their agricultural operations and household expenses. The delayed payments have made it difficult for them to prepare for the next planting season and meet their immediate financial obligations.
Protesting farmers expressed particular frustration with what they perceive as government apathy toward their plight. "We have been waiting for payments for over a month now," said one elderly farmer from Bathinda. "How are we supposed to manage our expenses and prepare for the next crop when the government doesn't fulfill its basic promises?"
Official Response and Promised Solutions
Facing mounting pressure from the widespread protests, Punjab government officials have promised immediate action to address the farmers' concerns. Authorities have assured protesting groups that procurement operations will be accelerated and pending payments will be cleared on a priority basis.
In Mansa district, where the protests were most intense, administration officials engaged in direct dialogue with farmer leaders. They committed to resolving the payment issues within a specific timeframe and increasing the number of procurement teams working in the region. Similar assurances were provided in other affected districts, though farmers remain cautious about whether these promises will translate into concrete action.
The state government has also directed procurement agencies to operate extended hours and increase their purchasing capacity to clear the backlog of paddy waiting at various centers. Additional teams have been deployed to speed up the quality checking and weighing processes that typically cause bottlenecks in the procurement system.
As the harvesting season reaches its peak, the resolution of these issues becomes increasingly urgent for Punjab's agricultural community. The state government faces the challenge of balancing administrative procedures with the immediate needs of farmers who form the backbone of Punjab's economy and India's food security system.
