The agitation, which began in various districts of the state, follows months of growing frustration among farmers regarding various demands, including the full implementation of previous promises made by the state government, compensation for crop damage, and better procurement policies. Organised by a coalition of farmer unions, the protest has intensified as the farmers demand immediate action from both the state and central governments.
The bandh, or shutdown, is the result of several weeks of negotiations that failed to yield the desired outcomes for the farmers. The protestors have been vocal in their opposition to the government's handling of the agricultural crisis, which they argue has worsened in the wake of shifting policies and inadequate support for their livelihood. They contend that despite the promises made during the previous rounds of protest, much of the aid and legislative support they had hoped for remains unfulfilled.
On the ground, major highways and roads in key regions of Punjab are blocked by protestors, with farmers using tractors and other vehicles to halt traffic. These roadblocks have created severe disruptions for both local and long-distance travelers, affecting everything from daily commuting to transportation of essential goods. Additionally, rail traffic across the state has been halted as part of the protest, with several trains cancelled or rerouted due to security concerns.
Public transportation, including buses, has also been largely suspended in cities and towns, as transport unions have joined the protest, making it difficult for people to travel within and outside of the state. Schools, offices, and markets have remained closed in several areas, further compounding the challenges for residents.
The farmers, many of whom have been participating in protests since 2020, argue that successive governments have ignored the core issues affecting their livelihoods. They have cited the decline in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops, an unfulfilled promise of loan waivers, and the lack of adequate crop insurance as significant points of contention. In addition, the passing of the controversial farm laws in 2020, which were later repealed after a year-long nationwide protest, is still a sore spot for many in Punjab’s agricultural community.
The state government has called for talks with farmer representatives, but progress has been slow. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has urged the protestors to come to the table for dialogue and find a peaceful resolution, but the farmers are demanding that the government take concrete steps before any talks can take place. In the face of these blockades, local authorities have ramped up security measures, but the protests show no signs of easing anytime soon.
The issue of farm distress in Punjab is not a new one. For decades, the state has been grappling with the challenges of a largely agrarian economy that has struggled to adapt to modern pressures. Punjab, once known as the "granary of India," has seen a steady decline in agricultural productivity, a lack of diversification in farming practices, and rising debt levels among farmers. These issues have been exacerbated by the increasing impact of climate change, with erratic rainfall patterns and droughts becoming more frequent.
The farmers’ protests in Punjab have garnered national attention, with political leaders from various parties weighing in on the issue. Opposition leaders have expressed solidarity with the farmers, accusing the state and central governments of failing to address the agricultural crisis adequately. Meanwhile, supporters of the current administration argue that the government has implemented several schemes aimed at supporting the agricultural sector, including subsidies for irrigation and loans for farmers.
Amid this tense situation, the role of the media and local activists has also come under scrutiny. Reports suggest that while some media outlets have highlighted the grievances of the farmers, others have been critical of their methods of protest, with concerns raised over the disruption caused to ordinary citizens. Activists within Punjab’s farming community argue that these protests are the only way to bring attention to their plight, especially given what they describe as the government’s unwillingness to engage seriously with their issues.