“Rail Roko” announced by Farmers group in Punjab on April 17, protest over delay in wheat procurement

April 15, 2026

Chandigarh: Farmer organisations in Punjab have announced a statewide “Rail Roko” protest on April 17. The move comes to intensify pressure on the government over the delay in wheat procurement. The call has been jointly given by groups affiliated with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.

Anger over delayed procurement

Farmer leaders have expressed anger, alleging that unseasonal rains and hailstorms have already caused significant damage to wheat and other crops. Farmers claimed that the delay in starting procurement has worsened the situation, leaving farmers to suffer heavy financial losses.

According to them, wheat stocks are lying exposed in mandis, getting damaged, while traders are reportedly cutting prices, further impacting farmers’ incomes.

Rail blockade plan

As part of the protest, farmers have announced a rail blockade across Punjab from 12 pm to 3 pm on April 17. They warned that train services would be halted during this period if their demands were not addressed immediately.

Widespread support

The protest call has received backing from several farmer groups, including the Azad Kisan Morcha. Leaders indicated that more organisations may extend support in the coming days, possibly intensifying the scale of the agitation.