Punjab grain markets face arhtiya strike from April 1 ahead of wheat harvest season
Punjab wheat procurement faces disruption as ~45,000 commission agents (arhtiyas) announce a strike from April 1, demanding restoration of 2.5% commission. The move threatens mandi operations during peak arrivals, risking delays, farmer distress, and logistical challenges for the state’s procurement system.
AMRITSAR: With the arrival of the wheat harvesting season, a fresh crisis is brewing in Punjab’s grain markets as commission agents (arhtiyas), a crucial link in the government’s procurement system, have announced a strike from April 1. The move is likely to disrupt procurement operations and cause significant hardship to both farmers and the state machinery.Amandeep Singh Chhina, president of the Arhtiya Association at Bhagwanwala grain market, said on Tuesday that the agents are demanding the restoration of the earlier commission structure of 2.5%, which was in place till 2020.“The government replaced the percentage-based commission with a fixed rate of Rs 45 per quintal, which is unjust and has adversely impacted our income,” he said.Tracing the history, Chhina pointed out that commission agents were paid 2% commission until 1997, which was later increased to 2.5%. However, the shift to a flat rate in 2020 led to financial losses. “At 2.5%, we should be earning around Rs 65 per quintal, but we are being paid much less,” he added.Another commission agent, requesting anonymity, said the disparity is more glaring as private procurement, especially of paddy, still offers a 2.5% commission.
“The loss is only in government procurement. With Assembly elections approaching, the government cannot afford to ignore our demands,” he said.According to Chhina, nearly 45,000 commission agents across Punjab are expected to participate in the strike, raising concerns about large-scale disruption.Amritsar’s grain market alone handles 10 to 12 lakh bags during the season, while nine other major mandis operate across the district, in addition to several procurement centres.Wheat arrivals are set to begin from April 13 in Amritsar, while in districts like Patiala, the crop starts reaching markets as early as April 3–4, making the timing of the strike particularly critical.
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Source : The Times Of India
