Farmers protest unannounced power cuts

Farmers are facing hardships due to frequent unannounced power cuts during farm electricity supply hours, a situation that has triggered strong resentment among the farming community.

Raising the issue, Harvinder Singh Khunkhun, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Doaba) (Block Phagwara), said despite assurances from Punjab State Power Corporation Limited to ensure uninterrupted power supply from 3 am to 8 am for agricultural purposes, unscheduled outages are being imposed, causing distress to farmers.

He stated that the situation has led to panic among farmers as even villages that are supposed to receive 24-hour electricity supply are facing sudden and unannounced cuts. According to him, such disruptions are adversely affecting irrigation schedules and agricultural operations, especially during crucial periods.

Issuing a stern warning to power utility officials, Khunkhun said if the problem of unannounced power cuts continues, the union will be compelled to launch an agitation against the authorities. He emphasised that farmers should not be made to suffer due to administrative lapses and demanded immediate corrective measures to ensure reliable electricity supply in rural areas.