Sirsa farmers protest over unpaid crop relief, insurance delays

Farmers in Sirsa district staged a protest on Tuesday, demanding the government fulfil promises on crop insurance, compensation for damaged crops and fair treatment in agricultural markets. The demonstration was organised under the banner of the Bharatiya Kisan Ekta (BKE) and led by its president, Lakhvinder Singh Aulakh.

Farmers first gathered at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium on Barnala Road before marching to the district Secretariat, where they submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner for Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Aulakh said the farmers’ union will also hold events on December 9 at Choramar Sahib Gurdwara and on December 12 in Jind, where the farmers from across the state will submit memorandums to the Chief Minister.

The protest highlighted multiple grievances. The farmers said insurance premiums for kharif 2023 season were refunded after 10-12 months, and claims for 25 villages for kharif 2024 were blocked. Many farmers want insurance premiums deducted from their accounts only if they opt in. Heavy rains and flooding in kharif 2025 season caused widespread crop losses.

The farmers said compensation promised for losses during kharif 2020 and kharif 2025 seasons were not been fully paid due to administrative delays. Thousands of acres of crops and farm infrastructure were destroyed by floods, leaving the farmers without relief.

Canal water supply is irregular, affecting rabi sowing and drinking water availability. The farmers called for dredging of the Ghaggar river and strengthening of embankments to prevent recurring flood damage.

The farmers accused private buyers and officials of manipulating paddy moisture readings and underpaying for millet and cotton, citing losses of up to Rs 1,000 per quintal below the minimum support price.

Shortage of urea and DAP fertilisers, combined with black marketing, has also hurt the farmers’ crop planning. The BKE urged the government to resolve these issues promptly.