Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 39 days, has appealed to farmers to reach the Khanauri protest site at the Punjab-Haryana border in large numbers on Saturday to strengthen the fight seeking a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
Farmers, on a warpath against the BJP-led Centre over their demands, last week called for a "Kisan Mahapanchayat" at Khanauri.
In a 70-second video message released on Friday, Dallewal said he is appealing to the people of the country, who are part of the fight for a legal guarantee on the MSP, "that they must reach Khanauri as I want to have your darshan". &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 last year, after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-farmers-leader-dallewal-to-take-medical-aid-if-centre-agrees-to-talk-punjab-tells-supreme-court-8581124" rel="dofollow">Also read: India: Farmer leader Dallewal to take medical aid if Centre agrees to talk, Punjab tells SC</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Dallewal (70) has so far refused to take any medical aid despite his prolonged fasting, which has caused his health to deteriorate. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Punjab government has been making efforts to persuade Dallewal to take medical aid if he does not wish to break his fast, but he has so far remained firm in his stance. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Thursday that a team of government doctors is regularly monitoring Dallewal's health.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abetment-to-commit-suicide-sc-warns-punjab-govt-to-shift-farmer-leader-dallewal-to-hospital-8573388" rel="dofollow">Also read: 'Abetment to suicide': SC warns Punjab govt to shift farmer leader Dallewal to hospital</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar told reporters at Khanauri that Dallewal will speak for two to three minutes at Saturday's event to send an important message. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Another senior farmer leader, Sarwan Singh Pandher, who is the coordinator of the two fora that are spearheading the agitation at Shambhu and Khanauri, said the Centre continues to adopt a "stubborn attitude" and is not resolving the issue.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-cant-centre-say-it-will-consider-genuine-grievances-of-farmers-asks-supreme-court-8586180" rel="dofollow">Also read: 'Why can't Centre say it will consider genuine grievances of farmers,' asks Supreme Court</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Asked about holding talks with the protesting farmers to end the logjam, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday that the government will act in accordance with the Supreme Court's instructions on the ongoing farmers' protest at the Punjab-Haryana border. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; "Our demands pertain to the Centre, this issue is not of the courts. The (Narendra) Modi government should directly talk (to the protesting farmers)," Pandher said. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; During an ongoing hearing, a Supreme Court bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan clarified on Thursday that it has never directed to break Dallewal's fast but is only concerned about his health and wants medical aid to be provided to him urgently. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Farmer leaders had earlier said Dallewal had not eaten anything during his fast and was surviving only on water.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-announces-increased-crop-insurance-allocation-and-fertiliser-subsidy-for-farmers-8583830" rel="dofollow">Also read: PM Modi announces increased crop insurance allocation, fertiliser subsidy for farmers</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Kohar, who has been associated with Dallewal for long, had recently said the latter has sat on a hunger strike on five occasions in the past but not for such a prolonged period. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Dallewal had earlier sat on a fast in support of farmers' demands in March 2018, January 2019, January 2021, November 2022 and June 2023. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Several Punjab ministers, leaders from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and opposition Congress, besides farmer leaders and other prominent personalities, have paid visits to Dallewal at Khanauri and enquired about his health. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Dallewal will break his fast only if their demands are accepted by the Centre, farmer leaders had earlier said. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Dallewal wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his hunger strike, likening the MSP for farmers to the fundamental right to live. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; "I have decided to sacrifice my life to stop the deaths of farmers. I hope that after my death, the central government will wake up from its slumber and move forward towards fulfilling our 13 demands, including a law on the MSP," he wrote to Modi. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Dallewal, the president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur), hails from Dallewal village in Punjab's Faridkot district. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Before announcing his fast unto death, Dallewal transferred his properties to his son, daughter-in-law and grandson. His wife died in January last year. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Dallewal's BKU (Ekta Sidhupur) was part of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which spearheaded a farmers' stir in 2020 against three contentious agriculture laws of the Centre that have since been repealed. But it broke away after SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal formed the Samyukta Samaj Morcha to contest the 2022 Punjab Assembly polls. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Dallewal later formed the SKM (Non-Political) by involving like-minded farmer leaders.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India news: In a 70-second video message, Dallewal said he is appealing to the people of the country, "that they must reach Khanauri as I want to have your darshan".

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 39 days, has appealed to farmers to reach the Khanauri protest site at the Punjab-Haryana border in large numbers on Saturday to strengthen the fight seeking a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Farmers, on a warpath against the BJP-led Centre over their demands, last week called for a "Kisan Mahapanchayat" at Khanauri. In a 70-second video message released on Friday, Dallewal said he is appealing to the people of the country, who are part of the fight for a legal guarantee on the MSP, "that they must reach Khanauri as I want to have your darshan". The farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 last year, after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. Also read: India: Farmer leader Dallewal to take medical aid if Centre agrees to talk, Punjab tells SC Dallewal (70) has so far refused to take any medical aid despite his prolonged fasting, which has caused his health to deteriorate. The Punjab government has been making efforts to persuade Dallewal to take medical aid if he does not wish to break his fast, but he has so far remained firm in his stance. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Thursday that a team of government doctors is regularly monitoring Dallewal's health. Also read: 'Abetment to suicide': SC warns Punjab govt to shift farmer leader Dallewal to hospital Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar told reporters at Khanauri that Dallewal will speak for two to three minutes at Saturday's event to send an important message. Another senior farmer leader, Sarwan Singh Pandher, who is the coordinator of the two fora that are spearheading the agitation at Shambhu and Khanauri, said the Centre continues to adopt a "stubborn attitude" and is not resolving the issue. Also read: 'Why can't Centre say it will consider genuine grievances of farmers,' asks Supreme Court Asked about holding talks with the protesting farmers to end the logjam, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday that the government will act in accordance with the Supreme Court's instructions on the ongoing farmers' protest at the Punjab-Haryana border. "Our demands pertain to the Centre, this issue is not of the courts. The (Narendra) Modi government should directly talk (to the protesting farmers)," Pandher said. During an ongoing hearing, a Supreme Court bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan clarified on Thursday that it has never directed to break Dallewal's fast but is only concerned about his health and wants medical aid to be provided to him urgently. Farmer leaders had earlier said Dallewal had not eaten anything during his fast and was surviving only on water. Also read: PM Modi announces increased crop insurance allocation, fertiliser subsidy for farmers Kohar, who has been associated with Dallewal for long, had recently said the latter has sat on a hunger strike on five occasions in the past but not for such a prolonged period. Dallewal had earlier sat on a fast in support of farmers' demands in March 2018, January 2019, January 2021, November 2022 and June 2023. Several Punjab ministers, leaders from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and opposition Congress, besides farmer leaders and other prominent personalities, have paid visits to Dallewal at Khanauri and enquired about his health. Dallewal will break his fast only if their demands are accepted by the Centre, farmer leaders had earlier said. Dallewal wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his hunger strike, likening the MSP for farmers to the fundamental right to live. "I have decided to sacrifice my life to stop the deaths of farmers. I hope that after my death, the central government will wake up from its slumber and move forward towards fulfilling our 13 demands, including a law on the MSP," he wrote to Modi. Dallewal, the president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur), hails from Dallewal village in Punjab's Faridkot district. Before announcing his fast unto death, Dallewal transferred his properties to his son, daughter-in-law and grandson. His wife died in January last year. Dallewal's BKU (Ekta Sidhupur) was part of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which spearheaded a farmers' stir in 2020 against three contentious agriculture laws of the Centre that have since been repealed. But it broke away after SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal formed the Samyukta Samaj Morcha to contest the 2022 Punjab Assembly polls. Dallewal later formed the SKM (Non-Political) by involving like-minded farmer leaders. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Dallewal urges to farmers to reach Khanauri protest site on Jan 4 for 'Kisan Mahapanchayat'

Chandigarh, Farmers, on a warpath against the Centre, on Saturday called for a "Kisan Mahapanchayat" at the Khanauri protest site on January 4.
Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had earlier given a call for a Punjab bandh on December 30.
The steps come amid the Supreme Court coming down heavily on the Punjab government for not shifting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been fasting for over a month, to a hospital.
SKM leader Kaka Singh Kotra said the 70-year-old has been on an indefinite hunger strike, which entered its 33rd day on Saturday.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abetment-to-commit-suicide-sc-warns-punjab-govt-to-shift-farmer-leader-dallewal-to-hospital-8573388">'Abetment to suicide': SC warns Punjab govt to shift farmer leader Dallewal to hospital</a>
"On January 4 at Khanauri, we will hold a big Kisan Mahapanchayat in which farmers from various states will participate," Kotra told reporters at Khanauri protest site.
On Saturday, while it admonished the Punjab government, the Supreme Court also indicated the possibility that Dallewal may have not been allowed to be taken to a hospital by other farmer leaders.
Responding to it, Dallewal, in a video message, said, "I am sitting on a fast. Who gave this report in the Supreme Court and who spread this misconception that I have been kept hostage, where did such a thing come from?
He added, "Seven lakh farmers of this country have committed suicide due to debt. To save farmers is necessary, therefore, I am sitting here, I am not under anyone's pressure."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-protest-sc-warns-punjab-govt-if-something-happens-to-farmers-entire-state-machinery-to-be-blamed-785090">Farmers' protest: SC warns Punjab govt if something happens to farmers 'entire state machinery to be blamed'</a>
In his message, Dallewal also said he had written a letter to the Supreme Court, requesting it to direct the Centre to accept the farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of the minimum support price on crops.
"We thought, maybe the Supreme Court would give direction to the Centre," he said, adding, he was happy that the court intervened.
Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar said Dallewal may also speak at the Mahapanchayat.
Dallewal had earlier said he would not break his fast till the government agreed to the farmers' demands.
On Saturday, in an unprecedented hearing, a vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia gave the Punjab government time till December 31 to persuade Dallewal to shift to a hospital, giving it the liberty to seek logistical support from the Centre, if the situation warrants.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-farmers-protest-rail-roko-agitation-in-punjab-travellers-may-face-inconvenience-784880" rel="dofollow">India farmers' protest: 'Rail roko' agitation in Punjab disrupts train services, travellers face inconvenience</a>
Expressing helplessness, the Punjab government said it is facing huge resistance from the protesting farmers who have encircled Dallewal and are preventing him from being taken to a hospital.
The court also termed the conduct of some farmer leaders accompanying Dallewal surprising and questionable.
Meanwhile, a high-level team of Punjab government officials again called on Dallewal requesting him to accept medical treatment even if he wishes to continue with his fast.
Dallewal has so far refused medical treatment and the state government has formed a team of doctors to monitor his health round-the-clock.
The team which also comprises Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu told Dallewal that he could choose a place and he would only be given the required medical support.
The farmers have been on a protest with several demands, one of them being a legal guarantee for a minimum support price.
Farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and the Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces.
A "jatha " of 101 farmers attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14 but were stopped by security personnel of Haryana.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India news: The steps come amid the Supreme Court coming down heavily on the Punjab government for not shifting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to a hospital.

Chandigarh, Farmers, on a warpath against the Centre, on Saturday called for a "Kisan Mahapanchayat" at the Khanauri protest site on January 4. Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had earlier given a call for a Punjab bandh on December 30. The steps come amid the Supreme Court coming down heavily on the Punjab government for not shifting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been fasting for over a month, to a hospital. SKM leader Kaka Singh Kotra said the 70-year-old has been on an indefinite hunger strike, which entered its 33rd day on Saturday. Also read: 'Abetment to suicide': SC warns Punjab govt to shift farmer leader Dallewal to hospital "On January 4 at Khanauri, we will hold a big Kisan Mahapanchayat in which farmers from various states will participate," Kotra told reporters at Khanauri protest site. On Saturday, while it admonished the Punjab government, the Supreme Court also indicated the possibility that Dallewal may have not been allowed to be taken to a hospital by other farmer leaders. Responding to it, Dallewal, in a video message, said, "I am sitting on a fast. Who gave this report in the Supreme Court and who spread this misconception that I have been kept hostage, where did such a thing come from? He added, "Seven lakh farmers of this country have committed suicide due to debt. To save farmers is necessary, therefore, I am sitting here, I am not under anyone's pressure." Also read: Farmers' protest: SC warns Punjab govt if something happens to farmers 'entire state machinery to be blamed' In his message, Dallewal also said he had written a letter to the Supreme Court, requesting it to direct the Centre to accept the farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of the minimum support price on crops. "We thought, maybe the Supreme Court would give direction to the Centre," he said, adding, he was happy that the court intervened. Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar said Dallewal may also speak at the Mahapanchayat. Dallewal had earlier said he would not break his fast till the government agreed to the farmers' demands. On Saturday, in an unprecedented hearing, a vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia gave the Punjab government time till December 31 to persuade Dallewal to shift to a hospital, giving it the liberty to seek logistical support from the Centre, if the situation warrants. Also read: India farmers' protest: 'Rail roko' agitation in Punjab disrupts train services, travellers face inconvenience Expressing helplessness, the Punjab government said it is facing huge resistance from the protesting farmers who have encircled Dallewal and are preventing him from being taken to a hospital. The court also termed the conduct of some farmer leaders accompanying Dallewal surprising and questionable. Meanwhile, a high-level team of Punjab government officials again called on Dallewal requesting him to accept medical treatment even if he wishes to continue with his fast. Dallewal has so far refused medical treatment and the state government has formed a team of doctors to monitor his health round-the-clock. The team which also comprises Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu told Dallewal that he could choose a place and he would only be given the required medical support. The farmers have been on a protest with several demands, one of them being a legal guarantee for a minimum support price. Farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and the Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. A "jatha " of 101 farmers attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14 but were stopped by security personnel of Haryana. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Punjab farmers call for 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' on January 4

Punjab today farmers protested over loan waiver.

They blocked the Amritsar-Delhi railway route at Manawala near Amritsar.&nbsp;

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Punjab: Farmers protesting over loan waiver block Amritsar- Delhi railway route at Manawala near Amritsar <a href="https://t.co/YLsfqd23L7">pic.twitter.com/YLsfqd23L7</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/913727253040701440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Earlier on Tuesday, the farmers in Punjab protested&nbsp;demanding a remunerative price for their crop.

The protestors accused the Punjab Government failing to resolve the farmers&#39; plight.

Farmers blocked route at Manawala near Amritsar

Punjab today farmers protested over loan waiver. They blocked the Amritsar-Delhi railway route at Manawala near Amritsar. Punjab: Farmers protesting over loan waiver block Amritsar- Delhi railway route at Manawala near Amritsar pic.twitter.com/YLsfqd23L7 — ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2017 × Earlier on Tuesday, the farmers in Punjab protested demanding a remunerative price for their crop. The protestors accused the Punjab Government failing to resolve the farmers' plight.

Punjab: Farmers protest over loan waiver, blocks Delhi-Amritsar railway route

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday announced total waiver of entire crop loans up to Rs. 2 lakh for small and marginal farmers up to 5 acres, and a flat Rs. 2 lakh relief for all other marginal farmers, irrespective of their loan amount.

Making the announcements during his speech in the Vidhan Sabha, the chief minister said the move would benefit a total of 10.25 lakh farmers, including 8.75 lakh farmers up to 5 acres. The initiative would provide double the relief announced by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, he pointed out.

Making it clear that his government stood by its commitment to waive off the crop loans of the farmers, Captain Amarinder said his government had also additionally decided to take over the outstanding crop loan from institutional sources of all the families of farmers who committed suicides in the state.

The state government has also decided to raise the ex-gratia for suicide affected families to Rs. 5 lakh from Rs.3 lakh.

The chief minister proposed that the Speaker may constitute a 5-Member Committee of Vidhan Sabha to visit the families of the suicide victims, ascertain the reasons for suicides and suggest further steps to be taken to check this menace forever.

Captain Amarinder informed the House that his government had already decided to repeal Section 67 A of the Punjab Cooperative Societies Act, 1961, which provides for auction/ kurki of farmers&#39; land.

The chief minister also reiterated his government&#39;s commitment to provide free power to farmers but appealed to all big and well-to-do farmers of the state to give up power subsidy voluntarily. He announced his decision to immediately give up the subsidy at his own farms to set a personal example, and appealed to his colleagues to do the same.

Lashing out at the previous Akali government for ruining the state&#39;s agriculture and farmers, the chief minister said the Badal regime accepted a loan of Rs.31,000 crore to cover the shortfall in the cash credit limit for procurement of foodgrains, for which his government has to pay Rs.270 crore every month and Rs.3240 crore annually. Had this not been done, his government would have utilized the additional Rs. 31,000 crore amount also to benefit the farmers, he added.

Amarinder further said there are about 18.5 lakh farming families in the state, and about 65 per cent of them are small and marginal farmers, out of which about 70 per cent have access to institutional finance.

Expressing concern over the problems faced by the farmers, the chief minister said his government&#39;s priority would be to continuously increase income of all those who are dependent on agriculture while preserving the ecological balance, and announced that a State Agriculture Policy focusing on increase in farmers&#39; income on a sustainable basis would be formulated soon.

He also announced a series of other measures to bring the agriculture sector back on track. These include an agriculture sustainability programme with focus on various initiatives to boost cultivation, growth and quality of crops, backed by attractive remuneration and greater incentives on alternative crops. Other measures include revamp of Farm Extension Services and a new legislation to regulate agriculture education.

Announcing the establishment of a Paddy Straw Challenge Fund to stop the practice of crop residue burning by the farmers, the chief minister informed the House that he had already written to the Prime Minister to allow a bonus of Rs.100 per quintal to all those farmers who incorporate the paddy straw in the soil instead of burning it, as the farmers need to be incentivized in this regard.&nbsp;

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh announced total waiver of entire crop loans up to Rs 2 lakh for small and marginal farmers up to 5 acres, and a flat Rs 2 lakh relief for all other marginal farmers

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday announced total waiver of entire crop loans up to Rs. 2 lakh for small and marginal farmers up to 5 acres, and a flat Rs. 2 lakh relief for all other marginal farmers, irrespective of their loan amount. Making the announcements during his speech in the Vidhan Sabha, the chief minister said the move would benefit a total of 10.25 lakh farmers, including 8.75 lakh farmers up to 5 acres. The initiative would provide double the relief announced by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, he pointed out. Making it clear that his government stood by its commitment to waive off the crop loans of the farmers, Captain Amarinder said his government had also additionally decided to take over the outstanding crop loan from institutional sources of all the families of farmers who committed suicides in the state. The state government has also decided to raise the ex-gratia for suicide affected families to Rs. 5 lakh from Rs.3 lakh. The chief minister proposed that the Speaker may constitute a 5-Member Committee of Vidhan Sabha to visit the families of the suicide victims, ascertain the reasons for suicides and suggest further steps to be taken to check this menace forever. Captain Amarinder informed the House that his government had already decided to repeal Section 67 A of the Punjab Cooperative Societies Act, 1961, which provides for auction/ kurki of farmers' land. The chief minister also reiterated his government's commitment to provide free power to farmers but appealed to all big and well-to-do farmers of the state to give up power subsidy voluntarily. He announced his decision to immediately give up the subsidy at his own farms to set a personal example, and appealed to his colleagues to do the same. Lashing out at the previous Akali government for ruining the state's agriculture and farmers, the chief minister said the Badal regime accepted a loan of Rs.31,000 crore to cover the shortfall in the cash credit limit for procurement of foodgrains, for which his government has to pay Rs.270 crore every month and Rs.3240 crore annually. Had this not been done, his government would have utilized the additional Rs. 31,000 crore amount also to benefit the farmers, he added. Amarinder further said there are about 18.5 lakh farming families in the state, and about 65 per cent of them are small and marginal farmers, out of which about 70 per cent have access to institutional finance. Expressing concern over the problems faced by the farmers, the chief minister said his government's priority would be to continuously increase income of all those who are dependent on agriculture while preserving the ecological balance, and announced that a State Agriculture Policy focusing on increase in farmers' income on a sustainable basis would be formulated soon. He also announced a series of other measures to bring the agriculture sector back on track. These include an agriculture sustainability programme with focus on various initiatives to boost cultivation, growth and quality of crops, backed by attractive remuneration and greater incentives on alternative crops. Other measures include revamp of Farm Extension Services and a new legislation to regulate agriculture education. Announcing the establishment of a Paddy Straw Challenge Fund to stop the practice of crop residue burning by the farmers, the chief minister informed the House that he had already written to the Prime Minister to allow a bonus of Rs.100 per quintal to all those farmers who incorporate the paddy straw in the soil instead of burning it, as the farmers need to be incentivized in this regard.

Punjab announces loan waiver for small and marginal farmers

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India: Dallewal urges to farmers to reach Khanauri protest site on Jan 4 for 'Kisan Mahapanchayat'

Punjab farmers call for 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' on January 4

Punjab: Farmers protest over loan waiver, blocks Delhi-Amritsar railway route

Punjab announces loan waiver for small and marginal farmers