Jalandhar(Parteek Singh): Sugarcane growers have announced to “Gherao” Punjab Vidhan Sabha assembly on 27 November to protest against government for not increasing the prices of sugarcane crop. The earlier efforts of officials have failed, even the talks held at Chandigarh as well. Farmers are demanding the rate of crop to be increased to Rs 350 per quintal from Rs 300 and the payment of the crop should be given to farmer within 14 days. Punjab assembly session is scheduled to be held on 27- 29 November, so farmers will protest on the first day of the session.
Doaba Kisan Sangarsh Committee President, Manjit Singh Rai said a state level protest was planned by farmers associations on 17 November at national Highway near Chaheru but due to High Court orders protest was shifted to Dana Mandi, we respect the Honorable court and we followed orders. The next protest was planned on 20 November but before that we were assured by district official to resolve the issue and we were told that Chief Minister will meet us at Chandigarh but only additional chief secretary held meeting with us. This shows the government has no concern towards the farmers. He said talks failed as officials denied any hike in prices this year by giving the excuse of financial crisis. He said the government is in secret alliance with private millers as 80 percent of the crop goes to private mills, even the officials are talking the language of millers they tell us to increase the production instead of prices. Government officials themselves are not promoting organic farming because only high use of pesticides will increase the production.
Rai also said if opposition parties SAD-BJP and Aam Aadmi party will not raise their issue during assembly session they will protest against them as well. He said we will hold a protest outside of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on 27 November to protest against government for not increasing prices of sugarcane as hike is due from past 5 years. He said farmers will gather at Aam Sahib Gurdwara, many farmers organisations will take part in the protest. If police tried to stop them with force they will start protest at that very point and will try to reach to the assembly. At last he said next strategy will be chalked down after 29 November.
Baldev Singh Sirsa, President Lok Bhalayi Insaaf Welfare Society said with the increase of the prices payment of crop should be made withing 14 days by the government. Private mills are getting benefits but farmers are suffering as they have Rs 3013 cost over one quintal and waste is also sold by them. One unit of Rana sugar mill is in Baba Bakala and another is in Uttar Pradesh where price is Rs 330 per quintal, if they can buy sugarcane at that price over there why cannot in Punjab. The government is totally favouring private mills in the state as many of them are owned by politicians.