Jalandhar: Punjab farmers begin dharna seeking hike in Sugarcane Assured Price to Rs 450 per quintal
Jalandhar, November 21: Members of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Tuesday launched an indefinite dharna on the Jalandhar-Phagwara stretch of the National Highway near Dhanowali village, demanding an increase of the Sugarcane Assured Price (SAP) from Rs 380 to Rs 450 per quintal.
The farmers have pitched tents along the stretch, halting all vehicular movement between Jalandhar and Ludhiana, as well as Jalandhar and Nawanshahr.
The protest, spearheaded by Manjit Rai of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Doaba), highlights the persistent appeals made by farmers for a hike in SAP, citing prior unfruitful requests.
"Despite our efforts and assurances from the government, our demands have not been met. Though a meeting by the Cane Commissioner has been scheduled for Wednesday, we haven't received an invitation. Our protest is indefinite, and we'll continue until our demands are fulfilled," Rai was reported as saying.
- With inputs from our correspondent
