The Doaba Kisan Body has staged a protest against sugarcane payment irregularities in Punjab. Farmers gathered in Jalandhar to voice their grievances over delayed and incomplete payments from sugar mills. The body demands immediate resolution and full compensation as per government rates.
Protest Details
Hundreds of farmers participated in the demonstration, holding banners and chanting slogans. They accused sugar mill owners of exploiting farmers by not adhering to the state's sugarcane pricing policy. The protest was peaceful but firm, with leaders warning of intensified agitation if demands are not met.
Key Demands
- Full payment of sugarcane arrears within a stipulated timeframe.
- Implementation of government-mandated sugarcane prices.
- Transparency in payment processes and accountability for delays.
The body also highlighted that many farmers are facing financial distress due to non-payment, affecting their ability to prepare for the next sowing season. They urged the state government to intervene and ensure compliance by sugar mills.
Government Response
Local authorities have acknowledged the protest and assured farmers that the matter will be taken up with the sugar industry. However, farmers remain skeptical, citing past promises that were not fulfilled. The Doaba Kisan Body plans to escalate the protest if no action is taken within a week.
This protest underscores the ongoing challenges in Punjab's sugarcane sector, where payment delays are a recurring issue. Farmers are demanding structural reforms to prevent such crises in the future.
