Farmers protesting against the biometric crop procurement system in Haryana have escalated their agitation, announcing that April 14 will be observed as a “Black Day” on the occasion of Baisakhi. The announcement came as the indefinite sit-in led by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) entered its sixth consecutive day at the grain markets of Jind and Julana.
As part of the protest, farmers said they would wear black bands or black clothing to symbolise their opposition to the biometric rule, which they claim is another attempt by the government to impose policies that harass cultivators and complicate the procurement process. Demonstrations have been continuing at the market committee office premises in the district grain market, where farmers have been gathering daily since the agitation began.
Farmer leaders reiterated that the protest would continue until the government withdraws the biometric procurement requirement. They stressed that the agitation is not confined to a single organisation but has been jointly supported by several farmer unions.
Farmers plan mahapanchayat as agitation gathers momentum
With the protests showing no signs of slowing, farmer representatives indicated that the movement could soon expand further. Pardeep Ghimana, a farmer participating in the protest in Jind, informed that a state-level mahapanchayat would be convened in the district to determine the next course of action.
The proposed gathering is expected to bring together representatives of multiple farmer organisations, who will deliberate on the future direction of the agitation and possible strategies to intensify pressure on the government.
Farmers have maintained a continuous presence at the grain market premises, staging demonstrations and addressing gatherings to raise awareness about their concerns regarding the biometric procurement system.
Compensation demanded after weather-related crop losses
Alongside the demand to scrap the biometric rule, farmer leaders have also highlighted the financial strain caused by recent weather disturbances. Addressing the protesters, BKU press spokesperson Ramraji Dhull said farmers across the state had suffered significant losses due to unseasonal rains and hailstorms.
He demanded compensation of Rs 200 per quintal for affected farmers, arguing that the losses had placed an additional burden on cultivators already grappling with rising costs and uncertainty. Dhull maintained that the agitation would continue until the government withdraws the biometric system and addresses farmers’ grievances.
Protest leaders approach
Community leaders associated with the movement emphasised that the agitation would remain peaceful. Naugama Khap president Suresh Bahbalpur said some individuals had suggested locking the grain markets as part of the protest, but farmers had rejected the proposal.
He said farmers considered the grain market to be their own space and would therefore not shut it down. Instead, they would continue to press their demands through democratic and peaceful means to ensure that their voices reach the government.
Concerns raised over facilities in the grain market
Farmer representatives also used the platform to raise concerns about infrastructure meant for cultivators. BKU district president Bindr Numberdar criticised the condition of the building labelled as the “Farmer Rest House” in the grain market.
According to Numberdar, the facility lacks basic amenities for farmers to sit or stay, while an e-Disha centre is currently operating in the building. He said a meeting would soon be held to address the issue and push for the restoration of the facility for farmers.
Reiterating the core demand of the agitation, Numberdar argued that if gate passes can be issued manually during disruptions in the e-procurement portal, crop procurement could also be carried out manually. He urged the government to abolish the biometric system immediately in the interest of farmers.
With the call for a Black Day protest and plans for a state-level mahapanchayat, farmer unions signalled that the agitation is likely to intensify in the coming days as they continue pressing for policy changes and financial relief.