SAD blames Punjab, Centre for farmers’ plight

Leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner (DC) office here, raising issues of alleged exploitation of farmers during paddy procurement and shortage and black-marketing of DAP fertiliser. They submitted a memorandum to the administrative officials to be passed on to the Punjab Governor.

The leaders flayed both Punjab and Central governments and accused them of ignoring the plight of the farmers and acting irresponsibly.

The dharna was led by Amrinder Bazaz and Amit Rathi.

Addressing the gathering, Rathi alleged that farmers in Punjab were facing a severe crisis exacerbated by government policies. “The government failed to complete formalities pertaining to procurement two months before the harvesting season, leading to the current situation of the farming community”, he stated.

Bazaz alleged irregularities in paddy procurement and highlighted the distress caused by the shortage and the sale of DAP fertiliser on black market.

Jaspal Singh Bittu Chatha accused the government of oppressing farmers and demanded immediate action to address these pressing concerns.