On the morning of September 1, the Mohali-Chandigarh highway showcased the early stages of a week-long farmers’ protest. Elderly farmers were seen preparing tea at roadside langars, while others chopped vegetables for community kitchens, and tractors were repurposed as makeshift shelters.
The gathering extended from Phase 11 toward Chandigarh, reaching the Sector 48 motor market, as farmers from various regions of Punjab continued to arrive for the sit-in organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), set to last from September 1 to 7. Authorities have designated a site near Sectors 48-49 along Airport Road in Chandigarh for the demonstration.
Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal is spearheading the protest, which has garnered support from 32 farmer organizations affiliated with the SKM. Notable leaders present included Rajewal, Harinder Singh Lakhowal of BKU (Lakhowal), Boota Singh Burjgill of BKU (Dakonda), and various representatives from other farmer unions such as the All India Kisan Sabha and the Kisan Sangharsh Committee.
Although BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) is an associate member of the SKM, it is conducting a separate protest instead of joining this one.
The farmers’ demands include a legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, determined according to the recommendations of the M S Swaminathan Commission, complete loan waivers for farmers and agricultural laborers, and an increase in the sugarcane price to Rs 500 per quintal.
The SKM has also called for a special session of the Punjab Assembly to reassess and potentially repeal prior agreements related to the state’s water resources and to establish a new framework that prioritizes Punjab’s interests. Additional demands comprise restoring Punjab’s representation on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), revoking the Dam Safety Act, withdrawing the Disaster Management Act of 2024, and opposing proposed free-trade agreements with the United States and European nations.
Other requests include the withdrawal of the Electricity Bill of 2025 and the Seed Bill of 2025, along with a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for farmers, agricultural workers, and rural artisans.
Farmers arriving for the protest have transported rations, food supplies, and other necessities using their tractors and trolleys. They have set up community kitchens and tents, preparing for the week-long demonstration.
Boota Singh Burjgill, president of BKU (Dakonda), emphasized the urgent need for the government to address Punjab’s groundwater crisis, advocating for a special Assembly session to review water agreements and develop a new strategy that serves the state’s interests. He also urged for enhanced use of canal water and the repair of the deteriorating canal infrastructure to ensure adequate water supply for agriculture.
Parmdeep Singh Baidwan, state secretary of BKU (Rajewal), mentioned that farmers are open to transitioning away from paddy cultivation if the government guarantees procurement of alternative crops. He noted that such a shift could alleviate pressure on groundwater resources.
Baidwan also advocated for extensive rainwater harvesting initiatives, suggesting that it should be mandatory for large constructions to facilitate rainwater collection for groundwater recharge, with subsidies provided for implementation.
Prem Singh Bhangu, leader of the All India Kisan Sabha, highlighted the strong response to the protest across Punjab, addressing long-standing issues that have been overlooked by political parties for their own benefit. He asserted that revitalizing Punjab’s agricultural economy is a crucial aspect of the protest, as farmers have become trapped in a wheat-paddy cycle despite governmental calls for diversification.
He reiterated that guaranteed procurement for alternative crops would encourage farmers to diversify their practices, making it feasible for them to shift away from paddy cultivation. The protest aims to bring attention to pressing concerns regarding water resources, MSP, the agrarian crisis, and the economic struggles of farmers.
Farmer leaders assured that the protest will remain peaceful and expressed a willingness to resolve their demands through discussions with the government. Rajewal indicated that if the government is open to genuine dialogue, resolutions can be reached; otherwise, the protest will continue.
As the demonstration is likely to disrupt traffic between Mohali and Chandigarh, local police have advised commuters to avoid the protest route and opt for alternative roads. The route from ISER Chowk via Bestech Mall (Phase 11) toward Jagatpura and Chandigarh will be closed to all vehicles during the farmers’ protest.
