Rain exposed gaps in paddy procurement arrangements; Farmers struggle in waterlogged mandis: Kewal Singh Dhillon
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 11, 2026: BJP Punjab president Kewal Singh Dhillon on Sunday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over paddy procurement arrangements, alleging that rainfall had exposed inadequate preparations in mandis across Punjab, including Fazilka.
Referring to the situation at the Dana Mandi in Fazilka, Dhillon said paddy brought by farmers had been submerged in rainwater, raising concerns about the arrangements made to protect the crop during procurement.
He said inadequate drainage facilities, a shortage of tarpaulins and the lack of other essential infrastructure had left farmers vulnerable to crop damage. Similar problems were being reported from other towns and villages across the state, he claimed.
“If farmers are facing such difficulties at the beginning of the harvesting season, the situation could become more challenging in the coming days,” Dhillon said.
He added that farmers invest months of hard work and substantial resources in cultivating paddy, and any damage to their produce in mandis could cause financial losses. He held the state government responsible for ensuring that farmers’ crops were adequately protected during procurement.
The BJP leader urged the AAP government to immediately improve drainage facilities, provide sufficient tarpaulins and ensure proper arrangements for the safe storage and procurement of paddy in grain markets.
Targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Dhillon said the government should focus on addressing farmers’ problems rather than making jokes at public events. He alleged that the lack of basic facilities in mandis raised questions about the government’s preparedness for the procurement season.
Dhillon also called on the state government to review conditions in mandis, assess any damage to paddy and take corrective measures to prevent further losses to farmers.
Describing farmers as a key pillar of Punjab’s economy, the BJP president said protecting their produce was the government’s responsibility. He said the BJP would continue to raise farmers’ concerns and demand action to address the difficulties they were facing.
The allegations against the AAP government were made by Dhillon in his statement on Sunday.