SAD President Sukhbir Badal Condemns Punjab Government Over Wheat Procurement Crisis
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday expressed deep concern over the severe delays in wheat procurement, stating it was unfortunate that farmers are being forced to wait in grain markets for up to 10 days to sell their crop. During his visit to the Malout grain market in Bathinda, Badal interacted with distressed farmers and highlighted systemic failures in the procurement process.
Farmers Face Extended Delays and Inadequate Facilities
Badal revealed that despite a minister formally inaugurating procurement nearly 10 days ago, the wheat produce of farmer Darshan Singh from Jodhpur village remained unprocured. This delay is particularly shocking given the official start of the season, raising questions about the efficiency of government operations.
Farmers complained to the SAD chief that procurement was being unjustly delayed on the pretext of excess moisture, even though their wheat had dried completely. Additionally, they flagged critical issues such as the non-availability of gunny bags and a severe lack of basic facilities, including drinking water, in the mandis.
Arhtiyas Report Storage and Labor Shortages
Badal also met with arhtiyas (commission agents), who reported that mandis are running out of storage space. Acute shortages of labor and gunny bags are severely hampering the procurement process, creating a bottleneck that exacerbates farmers' suffering. These logistical challenges point to broader mismanagement in the state's agricultural infrastructure.
Political Accusations and Calls for Action
The SAD president strongly criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of avoiding responsibility for the wheat procurement crisis. "It is shameful that instead of owning responsibility for wheat procurement, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is concocting ‘kiklis' to target me politically," Badal stated. He urged Mann to prioritize farmers' welfare over political maneuvers, saying, "He may make a hundred ‘kiklis', but he should not punish farmers. I urge him to ensure immediate procurement and lifting to end their suffering."
SAD Announces Relief for Affected Farmers
Later, Badal visited Kabarwala and Pakki Tibbi villages in Muktsar district, where standing wheat crops have been completely destroyed over large areas due to adverse conditions. In response, he announced that the Shiromani Akali Dal would distribute wheat to affected farmers and extend all possible assistance to help them recover from these losses.
This visit underscores the ongoing struggles faced by Punjab's agricultural community, with Badal positioning the SAD as a proactive force in addressing farmers' grievances amid government inaction.
