Chandigarh, 08 April (H.S.):

Punjab’s arhtiyas on Wednesday called off their week-long strike following a crucial meeting with Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, clearing the way for the smooth resumption of wheat procurement across state mandis.

Both ministers held detailed discussions with a delegation of arhtiyas led by Vijay Kalra, president of the Federation of Arhtiyas Association of Punjab, at Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh.

Following the government’s assurance to sympathetically consider and resolve their genuine demands, the federation announced the immediate withdrawal of the strike. The decision is expected to bring relief to farmers, especially in the wake of recent adverse weather conditions that had already affected crops.

Speaking after the meeting, Khudian emphasized the collective responsibility towards farmers, stating that all stakeholders including the government and arhtiyas depend on the farming community. He acknowledged the challenges posed by nature and stressed the need for unity to overcome them. He further assured that the government remains accessible and open to dialogue at all times. “Issues do not always require large formal meetings. Even small, sincere discussions can lead to meaningful solutions,” he said, adding that both farmers and arhtiyas can approach him directly with their concerns.

Welcoming the government’s proactive approach, Vijay Kalra described the relationship between stakeholders as a “family,” highlighting that dialogue remains key while keeping farmers’ interests at the forefront. Khudian also directed officials to ensure a smooth, transparent, and hassle-free procurement process, reiterating the state government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests while addressing the concerns of arhtiyas promptly.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH