Centre Grants Relaxation in Wheat Procurement for Punjab; Rail Roko Protest Deferred; Thousands Question CM Bhagwant Mann

Tangra – Surjit Singh Khalsa
Farmer organizations under the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (Punjab Chapter) along with five groups of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha had announced a “Rail Roko” protest over difficulties in wheat procurement, which was also supported by other farmer unions. However, after the government sought time and following prolonged discussions with authorities, the protest has been postponed for three days.
This decision was taken during a Zoom meeting of farmer leaders, especially in light of the Punjab government and the Food Corporation of India writing to the Centre seeking relaxation in procurement norms.
Farmer leaders stated that due to sustained pressure from unions, the Central Government has announced key relaxations in wheat procurement standards. The permissible limit for luster loss (loss of shine) has been increased to 70%, while the limit for shriveled and broken grains has been raised from 6% to 15%. The combined limit for damaged and slightly damaged grains has been fixed at 6%. With these relaxations, wheat procurement is expected to begin smoothly in mandis.
The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (Punjab Chapter) has demanded that the Punjab government immediately deploy adequate staff in mandis and resolve the issues of farmers who have been waiting there for the past 17 days. They also demanded that payments to farmers be made within 48 hours.
Farmer leaders termed this development a major victory for farmers and laborers, stating that without the pressure of the आंदोलन, neither the Punjab government would have written to the Centre nor would the Centre have granted these relaxations.
Meanwhile, at a rally of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Amritsar (Attari), thousands of people gathered following a call by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Farmers attempted to raise their concerns peacefully, but tension reportedly escalated due to actions of DIG Sandeep Goel, who allegedly pushed farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher.
Despite the situation, farmer leaders maintained restraint and avoided any provocation. They thanked the thousands who participated despite the busy wheat harvesting season and raised their voices in support of farmers.
The leaders also questioned why protest sites at Shambhu and Khanauri were cleared in coordination with the Centre and demanded immediate compensation of approximately ₹77 lakh for damages caused there.
The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha warned that if governments fail to address farmers’ and laborers’ issues, a large-scale agitation will be launched in Punjab after the wheat harvest. They also cautioned that action would be taken if officials like Sandeep Goel do not improve their Conduct .