Crop loss, mandi curbs spark farmer protests in Haryana

Hisar/Jind: Farmers staged protests in Hisar, Fatehabad and Jind on Thursday, demanding compensation for crop losses caused by recent rain, hailstorm and strong winds, while also opposing new mandi restrictions and alleging harassment during the procurement season.In Hisar, farmers under the banner of the All India Kisan Sabha held a demonstration at the mini secretariat and submitted a memorandum to the chief minister, seeking compensation for crops damaged in the adverse weather on March 31. Farmer leaders said wheat, gram, mustard and barley suffered heavy damage in several villages.They demanded an immediate special survey, 100% crop-loss assessment, prompt compensation and a special relief package for debt-ridden farmers. Protesters warned of intensifying the agitation if the administration failed to act swiftly.Separately, farmers under the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) opposed new rules linked to crop sale in mandis, including biometric verification for gate passes and uploading photographs of tractor-trolleys. They termed the measures impractical and warned they could lead to delays, congestion and harassment.In Fatehabad, farmers under the Kheti Bachao Kisan Union also protested against biometric norms linked to wheat procurement and submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner.Meanwhile, in Jind, the BKU alleged farmers were facing misbehaviour and poor conditions at the new grain market. The union claimed some commission agents and shopkeepers behaved rudely with farmers and that open sewer manholes, garbage and weeds had worsened conditions.The BKU also alleged that platforms and sheds meant for farmers had been encroached upon, forcing many to unload crops in the open. It demanded immediate action and warned of a protest if the issue was not resolved soon.The administration, however, maintained that arrangements in the mandi were in order.