Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann termed the farmers' movement as unnecessary and unwanted. He asked the farmer unions to stop sloganeering and cooperate with the state government in restoring the depleting water level in Punjab. The Chief Minister said in clear words that the paddy sowing program would not harm the interests of the farmers, but this effort could prove to be very helpful in restoring the water level in the state.
Minimum Support Price for the crop-
Bhagwant Mann said that he has already announced to buy Basmati and Moong crops at the minimum support price. He said that the state government is also motivating the farmers to do direct sowing.
Security arrangements by the administration-
Due to security arrangements, more than 2000 police personnel have been deployed within a radius of three kilometres by the administration.More than two thousand employees were deployed from Phase-Eight Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib to YPS Chowk and all other points. Apart from this, the senior officers themselves were keeping an eye on the whole dharna. This was the first dharna of the farmers for the new government of Punjab. In such a situation, the government's effort was here not to anger the farmers.
Doors are always open for conversation-
Bhagwant Mann said that he is following the path shown by the great Guru Sahiban and no one can stop him from this. He clearly said that his doors are always open for dialogue with the farmers. Bhagwant Mann said that I myself am the son of a farmer and I know very well what farmers need.
Responsibility to save natural resources-
I am also fully aware of the difference between June 10 and June 18. However, Bhagwant Mann said that I do not hide any personal interest in saving water and air, but they have a big responsibility to save these precious natural resources. He said that instead of dharna and demonstration, farmers should come forward and support the state government in this noble work for the betterment of Punjab and Punjabis. Bhagwant Mann said that he has already announced to buy Basmati and Moong crops at the minimum support price. He said that the state government is also motivating the farmers to do direct sowing.
Asked for state endeavours-
The Chief Minister appealed to the farmers to cooperate with the efforts of the State Government for one year and said that even if there is any loss to the farmers during this period, the State Government will compensate them. He asked the agitating farmers' unions to tell where he is wrong if he (Chief Minister) is thinking good about saving water and preventing environmental pollution in the state.
Arrangement of cooler and inverter also-
Farmers have arrived on tractor-trolleys with all the goods of logistics and langar. He warned that if their demands were not met till Wednesday morning, they would march towards the Chief Minister's residence in Chandigarh.
Demands proposed by the farmers-
1. Bonus of Rs.500 per quintal for low wheat yield.
2. Uninterrupted power supply in entire Punjab from June 10 for sowing of paddy.
3. Issue of notification of purchase of Moong, Maize and Basmati at MSP.
4. Make the MSP of Basmati Rs.4500.
5. Farmers who occupied Panchayati lands should not be removed.
6. Warrants and attachments on loans by co-operative banks and other institutions should be closed.
7. Loans of farmers up to Rs 2 lakh should be waived.