Farmers in Punjab's 18 districts will halt trains from noon to 3 pm today in protest against delays in wheat procurement. Groups including Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), SKM, AKM, and KKM have urged central and state governments to start purchases immediately.
Punjab's farmer organizations, accusing central agencies of negligence in wheat procurement, launched a rail blockade on April 17. Trains will be stopped in 18 districts from noon to 3 pm.
Farmers stated that a two-week delay has left crops unsold in markets, causing economic losses and mental stress. They warned that the agitation would intensify if demands are unmet.
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu said untimely rains affected wheat grains' color and size. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has recommended relaxing procurement standards to ensure farmers receive fair prices for every grain.
Farmer groups, however, have not altered their plans and will proceed with the blockade as scheduled.
