The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Doaba) has strongly criticized the Union Government's recent increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for kharif crops for the 2026-27 marketing season. Farmer leaders argue that the hike is not enough to cover the rising cost of agricultural inputs. They also expressed serious concerns over the shortage of urea and fertilizers in Punjab, pending sugarcane dues, and what they perceive as suppression of democratic protests by the Punjab Government.
State-Level Meeting in Phagwara
These issues were discussed during a state-level meeting of the BKU (Doaba) held at Gurdwara Sukhchaina Sahib in Sukhchain Nagar, Phagwara, Kapurthala district. The meeting was led by BKU (Doaba) state president Manjit Singh Rai and attended by around 50 to 60 leaders and members. Notable attendees included state vice-president Kirpal Singh Mussapur, state press secretary Gurpal Singh Paala, Nawanshahr district president Davinder Singh Sandhwa, and Phagwara circle president Kulwinder Singh Kaala.
Allegations Against the Union Government
During the meeting, farmer leaders alleged that the MSP increase announced by the Centre is insignificant compared to the rising prices of urea, fertilizers, petrol, and diesel. They claimed that inflation has substantially increased farming costs and accused the Union Government of mocking farmers through the marginal MSP enhancement.
Concerns Over Urea and Fertilizer Shortage
The leaders further alleged that the Punjab Government has failed to ensure the timely availability of urea and fertilizers. This has forced farmers to purchase essential inputs from the black market at higher rates, further increasing their financial burden.
Sugarcane Dues and Bonus Issue
The meeting also discussed the Punjab Government's announcement of a bonus of 68.50 rupees per quintal for sugarcane growers. The leaders claimed that despite the announcement, no sugar mill has received the promised funds from the state government. They demanded immediate release of the amount and warned that farmer organizations would be compelled to launch protests across Punjab if the dues are not disbursed soon.
Non-Payment by Golden Sandhar Sugar Mill
Another major issue raised was the alleged non-payment of approximately 28 crore rupees to farmers by Golden Sandhar Sugar Mill, Phagwara. The leaders alleged that the Rana Gurjit Group had agreed to clear the dues when it acquired the mill but has failed to pay any amount even after two to three years. The BKU (Doaba) warned that if the state government does not intervene and ensure payment of the arrears, the union, along with other farmer organizations, will launch an agitation against the sugar mill.
Condemnation of Lathi-Charge on Electricity Employees
The leaders also condemned the recent lathi-charge on electricity employees by the Punjab Police in Patiala. They accused the government of using police force to suppress peaceful protesters seeking their legitimate rights. They warned that continued actions of this nature will lead to widespread farmer protests across the state.
Call for Effigy-Burning Protests
The meeting resolved to support the call given by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) to organize effigy-burning protests against both the Union and Punjab Governments over rising inflation. BKU (Doaba) leaders announced that an effigy-burning protest will be held in front of the ADC Office, Phagwara, on June 8 at 11 am. Similar protests will be organized at district headquarters across Punjab.
