Numerous farmers' associations gathered in Jalandhar to pay tribute to Dr MS Swaminathan, a renowned agronomist and agricultural scientist.
During this event, these farmer groups united on a common platform and made a significant announcement. They declared their intention to convene a joint meeting in Chandigarh on October 18 to address two crucial issues.
Firstly, the farmers intend to discuss the ongoing Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) issue, a longstanding water dispute between Punjab and Haryana. Secondly, they plan to formulate a strategy to collectively advocate for the implementation of the Swaminathan report.
It's worth noting that two prominent unions, namely the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugarahan) and BKU (Dalewal), did not participate in the ceremony dedicated to Dr Swaminathan.
Kanwalpal Singh, the president of the Punjab Kisan Sangrash Committee, emphasized that the gathering on Sunday was a powerful demonstration of unity among farmer unions. Their message to the authorities is clear: they stand united and will continue to raise issues affecting Punjab's farmers.
The leaders at the event extended an invitation to all unions, including Ugarahan and Dalewal, to join the forthcoming joint meeting in Chandigarh. The primary focus of this meeting will be the SYL issue, which they believe should be resolved based on the riparian principle.
Satnam Singh Sandhu, another prominent farmer leader, expressed strong condemnation for the central and state governments. He accused them of engaging in political maneuvering over the SYL canal issue, despite the dire water situation in Punjab.
Buta Singh Burjgill, the state president of BKU (Dakaunda), stressed that the true tribute to Dr MS Swaminathan would be the complete implementation of his report. This report calls for remunerative Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for farmers, calculated using the C2 formula, which includes the imputed cost of capital and land rent, ensuring farmers receive 50% returns on their cultivation costs.
Among their other demands, the unions called for a blanket loan waiver for all farmers and agriculture workers, justice for the Lakhimpur Kheri farmers, and the withdrawal of all cases filed against farmers. They also denounced the recent attacks on media houses during the event.
In summary, the farmer unions have united to address critical issues facing Punjab's agricultural community, including the SYL dispute and the implementation of the Swaminathan report, and have called for a joint meeting in Chandigarh on October 18 to strategize on these matters.
