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This is an archive article published on October 14, 2015

Govt has promised to form panel for better price: Basmati farmers

“Farmers feel that Modi spoiled relations with Iran and it has badly hit the prices of basmati,” said Satnam Singh Ajnala, Jamhoori Kisan Sabha leader.

basmati farmers, india iran basmati trades, basmati iran export, basmati export rates, basmati price, basmati wholesale rate, basmati business, punjab basmati farmers, punjab news, agricultural news, india news “Farmers feel that Modi spoiled relations with Iran and it has badly hit the prices of basmati,” said Satnam Singh Ajnala, Jamhoori Kisan Sabha leader. (Source: Express file photo by Oinam Anand)

Farmers in Majha ended their protest after an assurance that the Punjab government and New Delhi will try to improve the situation of basmati farmers in the state. The farmers were, reportedly, assured that a high level committee would be set up to advice it on the matter.

One of the major cause of concerns was the export of basmati to Iran which had plunged in 2014-2015 for several reasons, including surplus stocks with Iran and increase in import duty. Farmers’ unions in Punjab had been appealing to the governments to try and find a solution as Iran used to be one of its biggest customers.

Farmers had blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy as a contributing factor towards Iran reducing their procurement from India.

“Farmers feel that Modi spoiled relations with Iran and it has badly hit the prices of basmati,” said Satnam Singh Ajnala, Jamhoori Kisan Sabha leader.

“Punjab government has assured us that it would form a high level committee of agriculture experts. The board will explore methods to ensure that we get fair price for our produce,” said Ajnala.

Basmati is superior to paddy but this year it was sold at a price below paddy prices in Punjab grain markets. At least 80% of the area under cultivation in Mahja is under basmati. Although the Punjab government asked its agencies to procure basmati at the minimum support price of paddy, basmati prices in open market remained down.

SAD MP Prem Singh Chandumajra said that the CM assured the farmers of doing the needful in whatever was under the purview of the state government. He appealed to the farmers not to agitate any further.

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“We appeal to the leaders that they should not gherao the ministers. In democracy everybody has their right of protest and we cannot stop them. But Punjab has seen very bad days. People of Punjab want peace. They should have faith in government,” he said.

[With inputs from Anju Agnihotri Chaba in Jalandhar]

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

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