BATHINDA: Farmer groups under the banner of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) are demanding relaxation in norms for the smooth purchase of wheat and compensation of Rs 300 per quintal for farmers who are expected to earn less due to loss of yield.
The farm groups are preparing to start protests on the issue if the central government ignores their demand. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is sticking to quality norms in crop procurement after reports of grain shrivelling much more than the permissible limit of 6%.
Moreover, farm group Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee has decided to disrupt rail traffic from April 25 if compensation is not given and norms are not relaxed, but BKU Ekta Ugrahan has decided to wait till April 18 to decide the next course of action. As per farmers, due to shrivelled grain, the yield is expected to be lower by up to two quintals per acre.