Punjab Leader Sunil Jakhar Calls Reduced Paddy Procurement Target Unfair to Farmers

The state government announced a cut in the target for procuring paddy this season, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Sunil Jakhar, a senior figure in the Indian National Congress from Punjab, said the reduction undermines the livelihood of farmers who depend on assured procurement.

Jakhar argued that lowering the procurement quota contradicts the promises made during the previous agricultural policy announcements and places additional financial strain on cultivators. He urged the administration to revert to the original target and to engage with farmer groups before making such decisions.

Analysts note that a reduced procurement target could affect market prices and the overall income of paddy growers in the region. The statement adds pressure on the government to justify its policy shift amid ongoing debates over agricultural reforms in the state.