Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Sunil Jakhar slams Punjab Govt over rain-damaged paddy, alleges deduction in farmers’ payments
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 11, 2026: Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Sunday criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led government over alleged lapses in paddy procurement arrangements, saying rainfall had soaked farmers’ produce lying in grain markets across the state.
Jakhar said the Centre had released the funds required for paddy procurement, but alleged that the Punjab government had failed to ensure adequate arrangements in the mandis to protect the crop from rain.
In a message posted on social media, he said the rainfall since the previous night had damaged farmers’ produce and affected their expectations of a timely and fair procurement process.
Jakhar also alleged that farmers were facing substantial deductions in payments for their paddy and claimed that farmers and commission agents had been forced to protest over the issue. He accused the state government of failing to respond adequately to their concerns.
Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Jakhar urged him to visit the grain markets and assess the situation on the ground. He also referred to corruption cases involving the chief minister in his criticism.
The remarks come amid concerns over the impact of unseasonal rainfall on paddy lying in Punjab’s mandis during the procurement season. The extent of crop damage and the allegations regarding deductions would need to be assessed independently.