Chandigarh: Farmer groups in Punjab on Friday temporarily withdrew their planned ‘Rail Roko’ agitation, offering a brief respite after days of mounting tension over procurement issues. The protest, which was scheduled to disrupt rail traffic at multiple locations, has now been put on hold for three days.
Announcing the decision, Sarwan Singh Pandher of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha said the step was taken following an appeal from the state government, which urged unions to allow time for discussions and possible intervention.
The protest had been jointly called by KMM along with several unions affiliated to the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, and was to be held at around 18 locations across the state. Farmers have been voicing concerns over slow wheat procurement and quality-related challenges caused by erratic weather conditions.
Unseasonal rainfall between late March and early April, coupled with an early spell of heat in February, has impacted the crop. Reports from mandis indicate significant quality deterioration, including up to 80% lustre loss and around 20% shrivelled grains in wheat arrivals.
Farmer bodies, along with the Punjab government, have been pressing for relaxation in procurement norms to accommodate the damaged produce. While similar concessions have already been extended in neighbouring states like Haryana and Rajasthan, growers in Punjab are still awaiting clarity.
Officials indicated that multiple central assessment teams have already reviewed crop samples and submitted findings to the Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution. A decision on revised procurement standards is expected soon, which could determine the next course of action for farmer groups.
For now, the temporary suspension of the protest signals a wait-and-watch approach, as both sides look toward a resolution that addresses farmers’ concerns without further disruption.
