Farmers from Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh have staged protests, blocking National Highway 44 (Delhi-Chandigarh), demanding that the government provide a minimum support price (MSP) for their sunflower seeds. Dissatisfied with the interim relief offered by the state, farmers argue that they are being forced to sell their crops below the MSP to private buyers.
The farmers express disappointment with the state government’s offer of ₹29.13 crore, distributed among 8,528 farmers, as interim relief under a scheme that provides a fixed amount of ₹1,000 per quintal for produce sold below MSP. They highlight that private buyers are purchasing their crops at ₹4,000 per quintal, well below the MSP of ₹6,400. In a show of solidarity, farmers from Haryana and Punjab assembled on the national highway near Kurukshetra, waving flags and displaying placards to voice their grievances.
While farmer leader Rakesh Tikait denies reports of a highway blockade, videos circulating online depict tractors forming a chain across the road, hindering traffic flow. Large groups of farmers are also seen marching, impeding the passage of vehicles. Although Tikait denies the highway blockade, he emphasizes the two main demands of the protesting farmers: the release of detained farmers and the initiation of sunflower seed procurement at MSP. Tikait expresses readiness to engage in discussions with the government to address these concerns.
Meanwhile, Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia, who is leading the fight against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Singh, was present at a farmers’ mahapanchayat (meeting) in Kurukshetra. Singh, accused of sexual assault and harassment by seven female wrestlers, holds the position of both a Member of Parliament and the head of the WFI. Punia’s presence at the protest signifies the support of wrestlers in the farmers’ cause.
This is not the first time farmers have taken to the streets in protest. Last week, they blocked the Delhi-Chandigarh highway, resulting in clashes with the police. Water cannons and lathi charges were used to disperse the protesters, leading to a tense situation. The police claim that action was taken because the protest was impeding the flow of traffic on a national highway, and some individuals were detained as a result.
The ongoing protests reflect the farmers’ determination to secure fair prices for their sunflower seeds and draw attention to their struggles. As the demands for MSP and agricultural reforms persist, the government faces the challenge of finding a satisfactory resolution to address the concerns of the farming community.
Sources By Agencies
