Punjab Farmers Launch Five-Day Protest for Agriculture Policy

Farmers under the Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union commenced a five-day protest in Chandigarh, demanding an agriculture policy from the Punjab government. The protesters claim delays in the policy's implementation and seek chemical-free crops promotion, compensation for farmer suicides, and a crackdown on the state's drug problem.

Farmers affiliated with the Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union initiated a five-day protest on Sunday, urging the Punjab government to adopt a comprehensive agriculture policy. The protest, held at Chandigarh's Sector 34 Dussehra ground, has seen participation from farmers across Punjab, who arrived in buses, tractor-trolleys, and personal vehicles.

The administration sanctioned the ground for organizing the demonstration, which centers on alleged delays in the policy's implementation. Protesters argue that despite the AAP government assuming office two-and-a-half years ago, there have been no significant steps forward on the policy.

In addition to the agriculture policy, the farmers' demands include promoting chemical-free crops, providing compensation for families of farmers who committed suicide, and addressing the rampant drug problem in the state. On Monday, the farmers plan to march towards the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and submit a memorandum of their demands to both the chief minister and opposition leaders, coinciding with the start of the assembly's three-day session.

(With inputs from agencies.)