Journalist & Research Analysist
Sandeep Dhand
A crucial meeting of the Agriculture and Farmer Development Front, Lehragaga Block, was held at GPF Dharamshala under the leadership of state leader Shri Mahinder Singh Khokhar. A large number of farmers attended the meeting, where the challenges facing the agricultural sector and possible solutions were discussed in detail.
Speaking at the meeting, state leader Shri Gurmel Singh Khai emphasized that agriculture is in crisis not just in Punjab but worldwide. He pointed out that the main reasons include excessive use of chemical-based farming, environmental degradation, climate change, and the government’s lack of support for the farming sector. He also criticized the Modi government for making anti-farmer decisions under corporate pressure. He said that instead of increasing the agriculture budget, the government is cutting it, failing to provide fair prices for crops, and not waiving farmers’ debts, which is worsening their condition.
Central committee leader Shri Sukhdev Singh Bhopal explained that Punjab’s overdependence on the wheat-paddy crop cycle has led to the depletion of groundwater. He stated that agriculture is the foundation of life, and without it, human survival is impossible. He urged farmers and society as a whole to unite and put pressure on the government to take corrective measures.
The discussion also covered global political instability, with leaders expressing concern over increasing conflicts between nations. They criticized world leaders, including Donald Trump, for policies that are worsening global crises while organizations like the United Nations remain silent spectators.
Farmers were encouraged to adopt organic farming instead of relying on chemical-based methods. Shri Saminder Singh from Ludhiana stated that the real solution lies in moving away from corporate-driven policies and adopting eco-friendly, farmer-friendly governance.
During the meeting, a new Farmers’ Front unit was formed for Lehragaga Block. Shri Gurdeep Singh Gaga was elected as President, Shri Pal Singh Khai as Vice President, Niranjan Singh Gidderani as Secretary, and Manjeet Kumar as Treasurer. A 15-member executive committee was also formed.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to all the farmers and leaders who participated.