The Indus Zone Tech Desk | Ludhiana, October 8, 2025: Punjab witnessed a massive resurgence of the farmers’ protest movement, as thousands of farmers, labourers, and women marched across the state demanding adequate compensation for flood losses and changes to stubble burning penalties. The demonstrations, organized by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (Bharat) under the leadership of Sarwan Singh Pandher, took place at 112 locations across 19 districts of Punjab.
Why Are Punjab Farmers Protesting Again?
The protests erupted over what farmers called the government’s inadequate response to the devastating floods that recently ravaged Punjab. The disaster reportedly affected over three lakh people, destroyed more than four lakh acres of crops, and left at least 60 dead.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, addressing a rally in Amritsar, said that several of their long-standing demands had been ignored by both the state and central governments.
Key Demands of Punjab Farmers
The protesting farmers presented a comprehensive list of relief measures to address the ongoing agrarian crisis caused by the floods. Their key demands include:
💰 Rs 70,000 per acre compensation for flood-affected paddy fields.
👨🌾 10% of that amount for farm labourers impacted by the disaster.
🐄 Full compensation for livestock and poultry losses.
🏠 Restoration of damaged homes and financial assistance for rebuilding.
⛽ Free diesel, fertilisers, and seeds for upcoming wheat sowing.
🌊 Removal of the five-acre limit on flood compensation eligibility.
⚖️ Judicial inquiry into the release of excess water from Punjab’s dams, which worsened flooding in several areas.
🧱 Construction of permanent embankments to prevent future flood damage.
The Stubble Burning Controversy
One of the major triggers of this protest was the penalty imposed on farmers for stubble burning. Pandher pointed out that fines of up to Rs 30,000 were much higher than the Rs 20,000 compensation offered for flood losses.
He argued that the government should provide financial aid for stubble management, either by supplying machinery or giving Rs 200 per quintal (Rs 6,000 per acre) to farmers so they can manage crop residue themselves.
The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha also demanded:
Withdrawal of FIRs and fines filed against farmers for stubble burning.
Removal of red entries in land records for farmers accused of burning crop residue.
Action against corporate polluters, who they claim are the main contributors to industrial pollution, instead of penalizing small farmers.
Additional Demands from Farmers’ Unions
Apart from flood relief and environmental fines, the protesting farmers raised several economic demands:
Immediate payment of pending sugarcane dues.
Fair prices for cotton and basmati rice to ensure profitability.
No deductions during paddy procurement by government agencies.
These demands reflect deeper concerns over agricultural policy, rural debt, and farmer welfare — issues that continue to fuel unrest across the state.
Government Response and Relief Measures
In the wake of the floods, the Central government announced an interim relief package of Rs 1,600 crore for Punjab. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally visited the flood-affected regions to assess the situation and meet with families impacted by the disaster.
However, farmers say that the relief amount is inadequate compared to the massive agricultural and infrastructural losses the state has suffered. They have urged the Punjab government and the Centre to work together for a sustainable and long-term rehabilitation plan.
Broader Implications for Punjab’s Agrarian Sector
The renewed farmers’ agitation highlights the persistent vulnerabilities in Punjab’s agricultural economy — from inadequate disaster management to the absence of comprehensive compensation policies. Experts warn that without systemic reforms, extreme weather events like floods and droughts could further destabilize rural livelihoods.
Additionally, the issue of stubble burning fines exposes the ongoing tension between environmental regulations and farmer livelihoods. Protesters argue that sustainable solutions, not punitive measures, are the way forward for managing crop residue and curbing pollution.
Conclusion
The Punjab farmers’ protest of 2025 underscores the state’s fragile balance between climate resilience, agrarian policy, and rural welfare. As farmers continue their agitation, they remain united in their call for justice, fair compensation, and sustainable support from both state and central authorities.
With the memory of the 2020–21 farmers’ movement still fresh, this new wave of protests serves as a reminder that India’s agricultural crisis is far from over — and the voices from Punjab’s fields are once again echoing across the nation.
