Punjab farmer leaders reject Rs 25 Wheat MSP hike, demand higher price
By Ashok Verma
Bathinda (Punjab), October 4, 2026: Farmer leaders in Punjab have criticised the Centre’s increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat by ₹25 per quintal, calling it an inadequate hike that fails to address the rising cost of cultivation.
Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) state president Joginder Singh Ugrahan, senior vice-president Jhanda Singh Jethuke and state secretary Singara Singh Mann described the increase as a “bitter joke” for farmers.
The leaders alleged that the marginal increase in wheat prices was part of a broader policy that could push farmers away from agriculture. They also raised concerns over the implementation of the India-US trade agreement, alleging that increased imports of American agricultural produce could adversely affect Indian farmers and domestic markets.
They said the prices of fertilisers, agricultural inputs and household essentials had risen substantially, adding to the financial pressure on farmers, agricultural labourers and other economically vulnerable sections.
The farmer leaders warned that the increase in wheat prices would further add to farmers’ debt burden.
They also criticised the Centre over the absence of an economic package for Punjab and farmers during the recent visits of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to the state. They alleged that the ministers did not address what they described as the basic economic concerns of Punjab’s farming community.
The BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) leaders demanded that wheat prices be fixed according to the C2+50% formula, referring to the recommendation associated with the M.S. Swaminathan Commission. They also sought a legal guarantee of government procurement.
The leaders further called for strengthening the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure that poor households receive foodgrains at free or affordable rates. They also demanded adequate dedicated storage facilities for wheat under the system.