Farmers seek fair compensation, revised procurement norms

In the wake of devastating floods that ravaged paddy crops across lakhs of acres in the state, farmers are raising urgent demands for fair compensation and revised procurement norms. Though the government had announced relief measures, the farmers complain that the ground-level implementation remains absent, leaving cultivators in distress. These issues were discussed on Friday during a monthly meeting of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal).

Heavy rainfall before the harvesting period led to widespread grain discolouration and elevated moisture levels. With the current permissible moisture limit set at 17 per cent, farmers are urging the authorities to raise it to 22 per cent to accommodate the flood-induced damage. “The grain is discoloured, the moisture is high, and the prices being offered are far below expectations,” said Baldev Singh Punia, a member of the BKU (Lakhowal).

“Private buyers are exploiting the situation, offering throwaway rates while farmers have no alternative,” he said.

Harinder Singh Lakhowal, president of the BKU (Lakhowal), said: “The government must act swiftly. Announcements alone won’t feed families. We demand immediate compensation and procurement relaxation. Farmers are not asking for charity, but justice.”

In a proactive move to curb environmental damage, the farmers have also pledged not to burn stubble this season. Instead, they are advocating for in-situ management practices, requesting Rs 2,500 per acre to support the transition.

“We are ready to cooperate but we need financial backing to adopt sustainable methods,” he added.

The gathering also paid heartfelt tribute to Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda, who breathed his last recently.