CPI (M) urges Centre to safeguard existing agricultural marketing system

Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon, secretary of the CPI (M) in Punjab, has called on the Union Government to halt its efforts to replace the current agricultural marketing systems with private procurement models controlled by corporate groups. He emphasised the need to preserve the existing public system, which he argued is vital for protecting the interests of small and marginal farmers.

Speaking with “””The Tribune”””, Sekhon said party activists and office-bearers across the region had been instructed to support a campaign to raise awareness about the potential dangers of the government's hidden agenda, which he believes aims to appease corporate entities by allowing them to buy agricultural produce on their terms, while gradually dismantling the current grain market system.

Sekhon claimed the existing model, particularly the mandi system, effectively safeguards the interests of small-scale farmers. He accused the Union Government of plotting to replace it with a private system, underpinned by a controversial new agricultural policy. He alleged this policy, which has gained traction in BJP-run states, would pave the way for corporate groups to gain unchecked control over procurement practices.

The CPI (M) leader also highlighted alarming trends in the state’s agricultural sector, citing reports showing that approximately 4,000 farmers — mostly small or marginal — are forced to abandon farming every day due to economic pressures.

Sekhon also voiced concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, particularly in the wake of violent incidents in the state. He criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led state government for failing to address the problems raised by the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the declining security situation in recent years.

In another key problem, Sekhon questioned the Punjab Government’s decision to make public the withdrawal of security from 424 protectees. He demanded clarification on the criteria used for preparing the list of VIPs, which included the late Sidhu Moosewala, and the rationale behind the public disclosure of this sensitive information.