Farmers in Jalandhar staged a dharna outside the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) office on Wednesday, protesting against irregular power supply to their agricultural fields. The protest, led by the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, saw a large turnout of farmers from nearby villages who accused the power corporation of neglecting their needs during the peak irrigation season.
Demands for Regular Power Supply
The farmers demanded an immediate end to unscheduled power cuts and load shedding, which they claim have severely affected their crops. They also sought a fixed schedule for electricity supply so that they can plan their irrigation activities accordingly. The protesters warned that if their demands are not met within a week, they will intensify their agitation by blocking roads and gheraoing the PSPCL headquarters.
Impact on Agriculture
Speaking on the occasion, farmer leader Gurpreet Singh said, “Without reliable power, we cannot irrigate our fields on time. This is leading to reduced yields and financial losses. The PSPCL must ensure 8-10 hours of uninterrupted power supply daily.” Another farmer, Harvinder Kaur, added that the erratic supply has forced many to rely on expensive diesel pumps, increasing their cost of cultivation.
The protest comes at a time when the state is facing a power crisis due to increased demand and reduced generation. However, farmers argue that agriculture should be given priority over other sectors during the sowing season. The PSPCL officials assured the protesters that they would look into the matter and try to resolve the issue at the earliest.
