Farmers protesting against the alleged delay in implementing Punjab's new agriculture policy called off their six-day strike on Friday, 6 September, following assurances from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The decision to end the protest came after Mann pledged to provide a draft of the state’s agriculture policy by 30 September and promised that farmers' suggestions would be considered before finalizing the policy.
The protest, led by the Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union, began on Sunday and was aimed at pressing the state government to expedite the finalization of the agriculture policy. Hundreds of farmers gathered in Chandigarh, demanding transparency and consultation in the drafting process, along with a resolution to other key issues affecting Punjab’s agrarian community.
During a two-hour meeting with the leaders of the protesting unions on Thursday, Chief Minister Mann reassured the farmers that their concerns would not be overlooked. "The state government is committed to safeguarding farmers' interests. The draft of the new agriculture policy is nearly ready, but it will only be finalized after consulting with farmers to ensure their input is incorporated," said Mann.
Mann assured the protesting farmers that the draft policy, comprising 1,600 pages, would be shared with them by September 30. This gesture is aimed at involving farmers in the decision-making process, ensuring that the policy reflects their needs and perspectives. Mann emphasized that the state government does not wish to impose the policy without full consultation, adding that making agriculture more profitable for the farmers is a top priority.
In addition to the agriculture policy, the farmers raised other demands, including promoting chemical-free farming practices, compensating the families of farmers who committed suicide, and addressing the growing drug menace in Punjab's rural areas. Lachhman Singh Sewewala, General Secretary of the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union, reiterated these concerns, highlighting the need for immediate action from the government.
The government also expressed its intent to introduce a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme aimed at providing relief to debt-ridden farmers. Many farmers in Punjab have been struggling with mounting debt and are unable to repay loans to cooperative banks. Mann stated that the OTS scheme is under consideration and could offer much-needed relief to the state’s farmers.
Following the meeting, Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan addressed reporters at the protest site, confirming the decision to end the strike. “We have decided to end the protest for now, but we will closely monitor the developments. After we receive the draft policy on September 30, we will thoroughly review it and hold a large meeting to decide our next steps," said Ugrahan.
The farmer leader added that the unions would remain vigilant and would not hesitate to reignite the protests if the government’s actions fail to meet their expectations. “Our fight is not over. We have only paused the protests, not ended them for good,” Ugrahan said, urging the government to honour its commitments.
The six-day protest in Chandigarh highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by Punjab's farming community, which has long dealt with issues like inadequate crop pricing, debt burdens, and environmental concerns linked to agricultural practices. The protest also underscored the critical role that transparent policymaking and farmer participation will play in shaping the future of Punjab's agrarian sector.
As the farmers await the release of the agriculture policy draft, all eyes are now on the Punjab government. The agricultural policy has the potential to significantly impact the livelihoods of farmers across the state, and the inclusion of their suggestions will be vital in ensuring its success.
