Farmers to stage major protest against Haryana govt on Oct 22 over anti-farmer policies
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, October 20, 2024: The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, led by Ashok Valhara, has announced a large-scale protest at the Shambhu border on October 22. The demonstration will oppose the Haryana government's policies, particularly the recent "Tughlaki Farman" enacted under the BJP administration.
Valhara and other farmer leaders accuse the state government of being anti-farmer, citing Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's decision to penalise farmers for stubble burning. The farmers are especially upset about the red entries in revenue records and the refusal to purchase crops at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for violators of this policy.
This protest marks 250 days since the farmers began their agitation at the Shambhu border on February 13, demanding the implementation of MSP on 24 crops. The farmers also seek better government support through subsidies, timely procurement of crops like paddy, and machinery such as supersedes to help with sustainable farming practices. Valhara said the government should stop making excuses over moisture and rather make arrangements for procurement and lifting from the mandis.
In addition to these demands, the "Meri Fasal, Mera Byora" initiative aims to streamline the registration process for farmers and their crops, ensuring that farmers have access to crucial government services and subsidies in one place.
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha hopes that this protest will pressure the Haryana government to repeal its anti-farmer orders and ensure timely assistance for farmers struggling with stubble-burning regulations and crop procurement.