Punjab Farmers Back on Streets: MSP, Debt Waiver and Water Rights Among Key Demands

Chandigarh, September 1, 2026: Farmers' organisations across Punjab have once again intensified their agitation, with protests spreading across the state over a wide range of agricultural, economic and Punjab-specific issues.

The latest protests include dharnas outside Deputy Commissioners’ offices across all 22 districts and a separate seven-day Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) protest on the Mohali-Chandigarh border from September 1 to 7.

So, why are Punjab farmers protesting again—and what exactly do they want?

1. Legal Guarantee for MSP

One of the central demands is a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Farmer organisations are seeking assured procurement and remunerative prices for crops beyond the traditional wheat and paddy cycle. The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha has specifically demanded government procurement of crops including basmati, maize, mustard, potato and cotton at remunerative prices.

2. Complete Farm Loan Waiver

Farmers and agricultural labourers are also demanding a complete waiver of agricultural loans.

Farmer unions argue that rising input costs, indebtedness and uncertain crop returns have placed a significant financial burden on rural families. The demand for debt relief remains one of the major reasons behind the latest statewide agitation.

3. Compensation for Protest Victims

Another major demand relates to farmers and labourers who died during earlier agitations.

Organisations are seeking compensation and government jobs for families of farmers and labourers who died by suicide due to debt, as well as compensation and jobs for families of protesters who died during previous farmers' movements.

4. Opposition to India-US Trade Deal

Several farmer organisations are opposing proposed free-trade agreements, particularly the India-US trade deal.

They fear that cheaper agricultural imports could put pressure on Indian farmers and small businesses by increasing competition in the domestic market.

5. Punjab's River Water Rights

Water has emerged as another major Punjab-specific issue.

The SKM is demanding that previous agreements concerning Punjab's river waters be reconsidered and has called for a special session of the Punjab Assembly on the issue.

Farmer groups are also demanding that river-water distribution follow the riparian principle.

6. Land Pooling Policy and Land Rights

Farmer organisations are opposing Punjab's land pooling policy and demanding greater protection for farmers whose land could be affected by development projects.

They are also seeking ownership rights for tenant farmers and people cultivating land on which they have settled, along with adequate compensation where land is acquired.

7. Floods, Groundwater and Pollution

The farmers' demands go beyond crop prices.

They are seeking a long-term policy to tackle Punjab's recurring floods, declining groundwater levels and air and water pollution.

Environmental concerns have become increasingly important as farmers face changing weather patterns, groundwater depletion and rising agricultural costs.

8. Opposition to New Central Laws

The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha has also opposed several recent Central measures, including the Seeds Bill/Act, Cooperative Laws/changes and the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Act, which it says affect rural communities.

The organisations have also raised objections to proposed changes in the electricity sector and demanded an end to prepaid electricity meters in Punjab.

9. Cases Registered During Earlier Protests

Farmer organisations are demanding the withdrawal of police and railway cases registered during earlier farmers' and labourers' agitations.

They have also sought the return of tractor-trolleys and other belongings allegedly seized during the Shambhu and Khanauri protests.

10. Employment and Drug Control

The latest agitation also includes demands related to Punjab's youth.

Farmer groups are seeking permanent employment opportunities for young people and stronger measures against drug abuse.

They argue that creating sustainable employment in rural Punjab is essential to prevent young people from being pushed towards migration or drugs.

Why Are Protests Happening Now?

The latest mobilisation comes as Punjab approaches another paddy procurement season, with procurement scheduled to begin on October 1. At the same time, farmers say several long-standing demands remain unresolved.

Different farmer organisations are pursuing somewhat different sets of demands, but MSP, debt relief, trade policy, land, water and farmers' rights remain common themes.

The scale of the mobilisation is significant: protests have been organised at administrative centres across Punjab, while the SKM has begun its seven-day Mohali-Chandigarh morcha.

What Happens Next?

The protests could put additional pressure on both the Punjab and Central governments.

With one group holding protests outside DC offices and another camping near Chandigarh, the coming days are likely to see further negotiations, political statements and possible traffic disruptions around the Mohali-Chandigarh area.

For Punjab's farmers, however, the message remains clear: they want better price security, debt relief, protection of land and water rights, and stronger government support for agriculture and rural employment.

Key Highlights
Farmers are protesting across Punjab's 22 districts.
A seven-day SKM morcha is underway from September 1–7 near Chandigarh.
Legal MSP guarantee is a major demand.
Farmers are seeking complete agricultural loan waivers.
Compensation and jobs are sought for families affected by farmer suicides and previous protests.
Several groups oppose the proposed India-US trade deal.
Punjab's river-water rights remain a major issue.
Farmers oppose the state's land pooling policy.
Flood management, groundwater depletion and pollution are also key concerns.
Farmer groups are demanding employment opportunities for Punjab's youth.