Punjab Farmers to Block Roads on October 13

The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has come under sharp criticism from farmers after the delayed start of paddy procurement across the state. In protest, the United Kisan Morcha has announced a statewide three-hour road blockade on Sunday.

Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said the Punjab government had earlier assured that paddy procurement would begin without delay, but “no significant progress has been seen on the ground.” He said the road blockade is intended as a warning to the government to fulfill its commitment.

Rajewal further stated that several farmers who cultivated PR-126 and other hybrid paddy varieties at the recommendation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government are now facing rejection, as sheller owners and aartis (commission agents) have refused to lift the crop in grain markets.

The issue has escalated tensions between farmer unions and the state administration, with farmer leaders demanding that procurement be initiated immediately to prevent crop damage and financial losses to cultivators.