BKU fears corporate control over agriculture, opposes draft policy

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) national president Gurnam Singh Charuni has opposed the Central Government’s draft agricultural marketing policy, demanding its immediate rejection.

Addressing a gathering of BKU members at the new grain market in Jagadhri today, Charuni termed the policy ‘anti-farmer’ and warned that it could pave the way for corporate dominance over agricultural marketing.

Apart from protesting against the draft policy, the meeting also discussed other key issues, including the government’s delay in starting the purchase of mustard. Farmers expressed concerns over infrastructure projects, stating that while highways and ring roads are being constructed, proper water drainage systems for adjacent agricultural fields have not been planned.

The expansion of BKU’s organisational structure was another major point of discussion. It was announced that the Yamunanagar district committee of BKU has been dissolved and will be reconstituted by March 31, 2025.

“The entire district committee of the BKU has been dissolved, and a new committee will be formed through meetings at the block level,” said Sanju Gundiana, district president of BKU.

Several BKU leaders attended the meeting, including state executive president Karam Singh Mathana, Surjit Singh, Malkit Singh, Gulab Punia, Harpal Sudhal, Gurbir Singh, Mandeep Roar Chhappar, Vikrant, Krishan Pal Sudhal, Jagtar Singh, Raj Kumar, Satpal Rana, Rajeev Pammi, Joginder and Sandeep Topra.