Farmers in Ludhiana cry foul over ‘loot’ at coop societies

Farmers have been raising their voices against what they call “organised loot” in the sale of fertilisers. They are accusing government-backed institutions and cooperative societies of exploiting farmers by forcing them to buy overpriced or bundled products, along with essential fertilisers.

Harinder Singh Lakhowal, state president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal), condemned the practice, warning the Punjab Government of political consequences if corrective action was not taken. “The government came to power, claiming to be pro-people. But today, it seems to care little about these things,” Lakhowal said. “If it doesn’t wake up now, the people will make it pack its bags in 2027.”

He alleged that while the official price of a urea bag is Rs 266.50, farmers are being forced to buy additional items worth Rs 150-Rs 200 with each bag. Similarly, DAP fertiliser, priced around Rs 1,350, is being sold with bundled products of equal value, doubling the cost.

Gurpreet Singh, a farmer from Mullanpur Dakha, shared his frustration, “I went to buy urea last week. The shopkeeper said I would have to buy a pesticide bottle with it, costing Rs 180. I didn’t need it, but he refused to sell the fertiliser alone. What choice do I have?”

Baljit Kaur, who manages a small farm in Raikot, echoed similar concerns, “We already borrow money from arhtiyas to buy fertilisers. Now, we’re being forced to pay double. It’s not just unfair, it’s cruel.”

Many farmers say they feel betrayed by the very institutions meant to support them. Manjit Singh from Samrala added, “Even the cooperative societies are doing this. If government shops are looting us, where do we go? We’re not asking for subsidies, just fair prices.”

Lakhowal warned that if the government failed to act, then farmers would launch large-scale protests. “If the loot continues, we will assume it is happening with the government’s blessing. Farmers will rise in protest on a massive scale,” he declared.

The BKU has demanded immediate action against profiteering shopkeepers and a formal warning to them and co-operative societies.