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Punjab Farmers Raise Paddy Procurement and Fertiliser Concerns Ahead of Kharif Season
Haripriya 24 Sept 2026 3 min read 145 views
Chandigarh, September 24, 2026: Farmers' organisations in Punjab have intensified their demands ahead of the paddy procurement season, putting issues including procurement arrangements, fertiliser availability and stubble management back at the centre of state politics.
The Punjab and Haryana chapters of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) held a meeting in Jalandhar and announced that memoranda addressed to the Punjab Chief Minister would be submitted through Deputy Commissioners across Punjab on September 25. The programmes are expected to focus on paddy procurement, stubble management and the availability of fertilisers.
Farmers Seek Changes in Paddy Procurement
The farmer organisation has demanded that systematic procurement of paddy begin immediately. It has also called for an increase in the permissible moisture limit from the existing 17% to 20%.
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The organisation has raised concerns about moisture-testing procedures and demanded that testing machines used during procurement be operated by government procurement agencies and market committees or boards. It has also sought safeguards against deductions related to crop variety and weighing practices.
Farmers have additionally called for timely availability of gunny bags and the prompt lifting of procured paddy to prevent delays during the procurement process.
Stubble Management Remains a Major Issue
Stubble management is another major concern ahead of the paddy harvest. The farmer organisation has demanded financial assistance of ₹6,000 per acre for farmers to manage crop residue.
The organisation has also raised concerns over the availability and alleged black marketing of DAP fertiliser and called for adequate supplies to reach farmers on time. These are demands made by the farmer organisation and should not be treated as established findings unless independently verified.
Farmers Demand Special Assembly Session
The developments come shortly after the Samyukt Kisan Morcha gave the Punjab government a deadline to convene a special session of the Vidhan Sabha.
According to Hindustan Times, the SKM, representing 23 farm organisations, has asked the government to convene the special session by October 7 to address its demands. The farmer groups said that failure to hold the session could lead to another protest.
The demand follows a farmers' protest that took place around Chandigarh earlier in September. The state government had agreed to consider several demands and hold a special Assembly session, according to the report.
Farmers' Issues Could Remain Important Ahead of 2027 Election
The latest developments come as Punjab's political parties (opens in a new tab) are already preparing for the 2027 Assembly election (opens in a new tab). Agriculture and farmers' concerns have historically been significant issues in Punjab politics, and the coming procurement season could bring greater attention to the government's handling of paddy procurement, fertiliser supplies and crop-residue management.
The current demands are being raised by farmer organisations and should be distinguished from positions taken by political parties. How the Punjab government responds to the demands, particularly on procurement arrangements and the proposed special Assembly session, is likely to remain an important issue in the coming weeks.
Key Points
Punjab farmer organisations are raising concerns over paddy procurement and fertiliser availability.
District-level memoranda are planned for September 25.
Farmers have demanded changes to paddy moisture limits and procurement procedures.
Stubble management remains a major concern ahead of the harvest.
SKM has demanded a special Punjab Vidhan Sabha session by October 7.
The developments come months before the Punjab Assembly Election 2027.
“Punjab's paddy procurement season is likely to keep farmer concerns over procurement procedures, fertiliser availability and stubble management in focus. The government's response to these demands, including procurement arrangements and the proposed special Assembly session, will be closely watched by farmer organisations and political parties.”
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