The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) assured farmers of top facilities and every possible support as the procurement of wheat crop begins in the mandis across Punjab. Party leaders highlighted the revolutionary reforms carried out in the agriculture sector over the past four years under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, along with preparations for the current procurement season.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Chairman of the Kisan Wing Mahinder Singh Sidhu stated, “What the Bhagwant Mann government has done for farmers is historic. The government is providing 600 units of free electricity without any discrimination based on caste or religion, benefiting farmer families as well.
For the first time, farmers are receiving uninterrupted electricity for agricultural purposes during the day from 9 AM to 5 PM, eliminating the need to go to fields at night. Additionally, with the transformation of government schools in villages, children of farmers and labourers are now receiving quality education and becoming high-ranking officers.”
Highlighting organisational efforts, he added, “Special responsibilities have been assigned to the Kisan Wing at 1,896 grain mandis and procurement centers across Punjab. Office bearers of the Kisan Wing will coordinate with government officials to ensure that no farmer faces any difficulty in selling their crop.
Commission agents must ensure proper weighing of the produce and timely issuance of the J-Form. Proper arrangements for water, electricity, and cleanliness will be ensured in the mandis.” Comparing previous regimes, General Secretary of the Kisan Wing Satbir Singh Bakhshi Wala said, “Earlier farmers had to spend three to four nights in mandis, but under the Bhagwant Mann government, the lifting process is so fast that farmers may not have to stay even for a single night.
The government is committed to resolving every issue faced by farmers and any delay in the lifting process will not be tolerated.” Meanwhile, AAP Punjab State Media Incharge Baltej Pannu stated, “Government procurement officially began on April 1.
There has been some delay due to adverse weather conditions, but procurement and arrivals will pick up pace in the coming days. A new pilot project announced by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann will address the issue of electricity poles located within fields.
This project will begin from the Chief Minister’s native village Satoj and will later be expanded across Punjab.” Pointing to canal water access, Baltej Pannu emphasised, “When the Bhagwant Mann government assumed office, only 22% of fields had access to canal water, which has now been increased to 88%.
The target is to take this beyond 90%. Previous governments merely pretended to be protectors of water, whereas the Bhagwant Mann government has ensured that canal water reaches the tail ends. This will increase crop productivity and help conserve groundwater for future generations. Every step of the Bhagwant Mann government is dedicated to saving Punjab’s agriculture and youth.”