Punjab Farmer Unions Urge Rejection of Centre’s Agricultural Policy

by The_unmuteenglish

Chandigarh, December 19, 2024– Punjab farmer unions have called on the state government to reject the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing, warning that it threatens the state’s farm-based economy by encouraging privatisation and monopolies in food procurement.

In a three-hour meeting with Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, representatives from 15 unions voiced concerns that the framework mirrors the now-repealed farm laws, which faced massive opposition during the 2020-21 protests. “This is a covert attempt to reintroduce the farm laws. We will oppose it tooth and nail,” said Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of BKU Ekta Ugrahan.

The unions criticized the policy as detrimental to small-scale farmers, arguing that it undermines the current procurement system that has long supported Punjab’s agricultural economy. “Privatisation will only benefit big corporations while marginalizing farmers and consumers,” a union leader added.

Minister Khudian assured the unions that the state government would consult all stakeholders before responding to the Centre. An all-party meeting is expected to be held soon, with the policy slated for discussion in the Winter Session of the Vidhan Sabha in January 2025. Punjab has already sought a three-week extension to the December 10 deadline to ensure thorough evaluation.

Experts, including Dr. Sukhpal Singh of the Punjab Farmers and Farm Workers Commission and Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt of Punjab Agricultural University, joined the meeting alongside Agriculture Department officials.

The unions warned of intensified protests if the state government fails to oppose the policy, vowing to protect farmers’ interests.

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