The Farmers' Injustice in Punjab

Over a year ago, the AAP government of Punjab promised their support to their farmers, ensuring that within a year, they would meet each and every farmer’s demands. However, empty promises spark nothing but anger and today, the story remains so.

One main issue concerning agricultural practices currently in the fields of Punjab are the significant crop losses, especially in the Malwa region, due to rainfall damage which occurred not only this year but last year as well. The AAP had initially sympathized with the farmers’ cause, only now leaving them in a feeling of betrayal.

Farmers claim that whenever they try to bring up the issue with the government leaders, they are always avoiding them, never meeting the farmers when saying they would. “We were promised by the administration that the CM would meet us after the function, but he didn’t meet,” says Harnek Singh Mehma, general secretary of the BKU Dakaunda.

In September, farmers from 75 villages began a protest outside the CM’s office demanding canal water supply. In fact, access to irrigation facilities is a major issue for India’s agriculture domains as it is heavily dependent on monsoon rains. And according to Bhupinder Singh Longowal, his committee had scheduled to meet the CM, but could not get to even though he was visiting Dhuri for a public

function.

Why aren’t these people answering the farmers’ demands? And more importantly, how can the farmers be helped in their dire situation? Kheti Virasat is an NGO dedicated to aiding the farmers in Punjab in light of the ongoing food, farm, health, ecological and civilisation crisis. Please donate your time or money to support this cause, or spend a few minutes visiting their website to understand their mission. https://khetivirasatmission.org/contribute/ By Prachi Pandit