Farmers Strike in Punjab from January 22-26: Impact on Agricultural Policies

The agricultural community in Punjab is gearing up for another round of strikes. This farmer-led initiative will commence on January 22 and is scheduled to last until January 26. Despite a recent cessation of strikes in Punjab, the farmers are once again ready to voice their concerns. The catalyst for this renewed action is the state government’s perceived inability to introduce a new agricultural policy. From January 22 to 26, farmers plan to stage demonstrations outside the offices of deputy commissioners.

An 11-member committee was established to create an agricultural policy-

In the previous year, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, who was the Agriculture Minister at the time, had assigned 11 positions to formulate a new agricultural policy by March 31, 2023. This led to the formation of an 11-member committee. As per various news agencies, an anonymous committee member revealed that the draft policy is not ready yet. The policy discussion has been delayed as some committee members have travelled overseas. However, a meeting will soon be convened to finalize the policy.

Will be announced soon by the AAP government-

Malvinder Singh Kang, the chief spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, stated that the state’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, has recently engaged in discussions with farmers on this matter. The agricultural policy is a key focus for the state’s AAP government. Input has already been gathered from approximately 5000 farmers. Regarding the delay in the policy, the spokesperson pointed out that there hasn’t been an agricultural policy since 2000, and the AAP government initiated steps shortly after assuming power. Work on the policy commenced after that. He assures that the policy will be unveiled soon.

BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) has already issued a warning-

BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) has already warned the government that if the policy is not announced by January 21, they will face renewed opposition. Union General Secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri Kalan stated, “We have already deliberated on the farmer-friendly measures to be incorporated in the policy and have submitted a memorandum. However, it appears that the government is delaying due to corporate pressures.” BKU (Kadian) National Spokesperson Ravneet Brar mentioned that the government has decided to boost farmers’ income by enhancing the yield of all crops. They promised a Minimum Support Price (MSP) and a new agricultural policy. Yet, even after nearly two years in power, no action has been taken.