The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of several farm unions, has decided to intensify its agitation starting October 29 if the ongoing issues related to paddy procurement in Punjab are not addressed. During a crucial meeting held on Wednesday, the SKM announced that farmers would launch a statewide ‘chakka jam’ (road blockade) from 11 am to 3 pm daily. In addition, they will stage sit-ins outside the offices of Deputy Commissioners, blocking their operations for four hours each day.
This move is part of an escalating protest by farmers who have expressed growing frustration over the slow pace of paddy procurement and its impact on their livelihoods. The SKM emphasized that if no resolution is reached by October 29, they will take their protests to a new level. “The government has failed to address our concerns regarding paddy procurement, and now we have no choice but to intensify our struggle,” said an SKM spokesperson after the meeting.
The farm unions also issued a stern warning to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, stating that if any of them visited the mandis (grain markets), they would be greeted with black flag demonstrations. This symbolic gesture of protest has been used by farmers to express their opposition to politicians they hold responsible for the issues they face.
Leaders from 32 different farm unions across Punjab took part in the marathon meeting, discussing strategies to pressure both the state and central governments. The SKM held both the AAP-led Punjab government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government accountable for the sluggish lifting of paddy from procurement centers, leaving farmers in a state of uncertainty. “The AAP and BJP governments are equally responsible for the delay in paddy lifting, which has caused financial hardships to farmers,” said an SKM representative.
This move is part of an escalating protest by farmers who have expressed growing frustration over the slow pace of paddy procurement and its impact on their livelihoods.
In addition to their warnings against AAP leaders, the SKM signaled that Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu could also face black flag protests if he visits Punjab. Bittu, who recently joined the BJP, has become a focal point of criticism among farmers, particularly due to his political transition and past positions on agricultural issues.
The paddy procurement crisis has been a recurring issue in Punjab, where delayed lifting by government agencies affects farmers’ cash flow and creates logistical bottlenecks in mandis.
Farmers have repeatedly voiced concerns about the lack of adequate arrangements for swift procurement, especially during peak harvest periods. Despite assurances from the government, the ground realities, according to SKM, remain unchanged, prompting this planned escalation.