Chandigarh: Farmers of Haryana on Saturday lifted 21-hour long blockade of national highway national highway after the state government agreed to meet their demand. The agitating farmers, who had blocked the National Highway 44 in the state causing major traffic disruptions, were demanding early procurement of paddy.
The agitating farmers said that they do not have adequate space for stiorage and the government should advance the date of procurement. They also feared humidity and rain will spoil the grain. They claimed that hundreds of quintals of grain got destroyed in the grain markets due to the “moisture content”,
The government agreed that it will start moving paddy from grain markets, though October 1 will remain the official procurement date following which the agitation came to an end. The protesting farmers said that now it is government’s responsibility that where they are going to store it.
Additionally, the state government has increased procurement cap for five districts as these districts have recorded 22 to 30 quintals per acre yield crop.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court took on Haryana government for failing to anticipate a breakdown of law and order and the government moved further to meet the farmers’ demand. The court said that highways should be kept open for hassle free movement of vehicles. There should not be inconvenience to the public at large.
The High Court said that immediate steps should be taken by the district administration to tackle the situation. The court asked the state government to take caution and prevent further deterioration of law and order.
Kurukshetra Police informed that all diversions were removed and movement of traffic has been ensured. They said that they have resolved the issue in a cordial manner.
