Farmers stage dharna outside Tarn Taran MLA’s residence

On the final day of the three-day dharna organised by activists of the Kirti Kisan Union (KKU) outside the residence of Tarn Taran MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal, the protesters demanded speedy paddy procurement and the end of harassment of farmers at grain markets.

Nachhattar Singh Mughal Chack and Balwant Singh Khara were among various leaders present on the occasion.

They said the paddy was ripe to be harvested but the state government had not yet started its procurement as yet. As a result, the farmers’ crops were being damaged, affecting the yield, too.

The farmers said it was the first time after the Independence that the state government had gone helpless to procure paddy.

They said with the negligent attitude of the Union and state governments, the farmers were not being given MSP on paddy price of basmati and were being forced to sell the produce at a price of Rs 1,800 than Rs 2,320, the MSP.

The leaders said the price of basmati had also gone down to Rs 2,000 as it was being procured at a price of Rs 5,000 per quintal sometime ago.

It was being procured by private firms at just Rs 3,000 per quintal. The leaders have demanded the opening of the Wahaga and Husainipur borders for trade through road.

The MLA addressed the farmers on the occasion and expressed his solidarity with them.