Shahabad, Haryana
The farmers’ protest on the Shahabad-Barara Road in Haryana’s Shahabad demanding the early start of paddy procurement ended on Wednesday after an agreement was reached with the administration. During a meeting that lasted around two hours at the Shahabad Rest House, farmers and officials reached an understanding on several key issues, including paddy weighing, gate passes, and the upcoming procurement arrangements.
Following the meeting, Food and Supplies Department Director and IAS officer Dr. Anshaj and Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena reached the farmers’ protest site. The two officials addressed the gathering and informed the farmers about the agreement reached with the administration and the decisions taken during the meeting.
Paddy Weighing to Begin from September 24
According to the agreement between the administration and farmers, paddy weighing will begin from September 24, until regular procurement officially starts. Gate passes will be issued from September 25.
The administration also assured farmers that those who have already received gate passes will not need to obtain them again. This is expected to save farmers from having to repeat the process at the mandis.
The assurances from the administration are being seen as significant amid the farmers’ long-standing demand for the early commencement of paddy procurement.
Efforts to Start Procurement from September 15 Next Year
During the meeting, the administration also said that a letter would be sent to the central government in advance next year to facilitate an earlier start to paddy procurement. Officials said efforts would be made to begin procurement from September 15 next year.
The farmers agreed to the assurances given by the administration. Following this, Bharatiya Kisan Union national president Gurnam Singh Charuni announced from the stage that the protest would be called off.
Farmers Celebrate After Protest Ends
After the announcement to end the protest, a sense of relief and happiness was visible among the farmers at the site. Farmers gradually began leaving the protest venue and returning to their homes.
Before the agreement, farmers had been protesting on the Shahabad-Barara Road demanding that the paddy procurement process begin at the mandis at the earliest. They argued that an early start would prevent difficulties for farmers arriving at the mandis with their harvested crops.
Detained Farmers Released
Following the agreement, the farmers who had been taken into custody were also reportedly released. The development provided further relief to those participating in the protest.
With the administration and farmers reaching an agreement, the protest has now ended. Farmers will now be closely watching the paddy weighing process beginning September 24 and the issuance of gate passes from September 25.
