Unpaid & unheard: Himachal’s wheat farmers on the brink

Resentment is simmering among wheat seed producers across Himachal Pradesh, as the state government has failed to clear their dues for the past three months. Farmers say the delay has left them struggling under the weight of loans, forcing them to threaten protests if their demands are not addressed soon.

According to official records, the government procured 59,155.85 quintals of wheat from 1,281 farmers this season. However, only 492 have been paid so far, while the remaining 789 continue to wait due to “budgetary constraints”. Farmers argue that this excuse is nothing short of betrayal, as they were assured of timely payments when they sold their produce.

Wheat procurement began in April at the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,425 per quintal. The government had already scaled down its procurement target this year to 3,270 metric tonnes after failing to achieve last year’s goal of 10,000 MT—managing only 2,880.25 MT. Yet, even with a reduced target, the inability to clear payments has deepened the frustration of farmers.

In the Nalagarh–Baddi belt, one of the state’s major wheat-producing regions, farmers submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Tehsildar earlier this week. They demanded immediate clearance of dues within seven days, warning that they would otherwise launch an agitation. “We were discouraged from selling our produce elsewhere and promised prompt payment. Three months later, we are still waiting,” lamented farmers Harpreet and Jitender.

Jaiprakash, another farmer, described their plight as “deplorable”, adding, “We borrowed money to buy fertilisers, seeds and pesticides. Now, the government has failed to pay us back for our toil.” Farmers say repeated assurances from officials, most recently that payments would be made by August 10, have yielded no results.

Many farmers are now contemplating drastic measures, including sit-ins, road blockades and gheraos of officials. If their grievances continue to be ignored, they warn of escalating the stir to a state-level protest.

Highlighting the issue in the Assembly, Nalagarh MLA Hardeep Singh Bawa revealed that of the Rs 6 crore due to 306 farmers in his constituency, only 104 farmers have received payment. More than Rs 3.5 crore remains pending. He urged the government to act swiftly, warning that each passing day pushes farmers deeper into debt and despair.

For the agrarian community, the matter is no longer about figures. It is about survival and dignity.