Punjab farmers continue highway blockades over delays in paddy lifting and DAP shortage

Chandigarh: For the second consecutive day, farmers in Punjab are blocking four major highways, protesting delays in the lifting of paddy at mandis and a shortage of DAP fertilizer.

The protests have disrupted traffic on the highways in Phagwara, Moga-Ferozepur, Sangrur-Barnala, and Gurdaspur-Sri Hargobindpur.

In response, Punjab Food Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh are scheduled to meet with the protesting farmers in Phagwara.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, urging central support in resolving the issue.

Mann appealed to farmers to reconsider the protests, emphasizing that extended demonstrations disrupt daily life without solving the core issues.

Meanwhile, the government has released six-day lifting figures to assure farmers of ongoing efforts. However, farmers have warned that if their demands remain unmet, they are prepared to escalate the protests further.