Farmers from Punjab have intensified their protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, with the agitation entering its third day on September 3, 2026. The seven-day protest was launched on September 1 under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and is scheduled to continue until September 7. Farmer organisations have brought forward a range of demands concerning agricultural prices, farm debt, water rights, trade policy and crop insurance.
One of the main demands of the protesting farmers is a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price on agricultural produce. Farmer unions have argued that a statutory guarantee would provide greater income security to cultivators and reduce uncertainty over the prices they receive for their crops. The demand has remained a major issue in Punjab, where agriculture continues to play an important role in the state's economy.
The unions are also demanding a complete waiver of agricultural loans. According to the protesting organisations, farmers and agricultural labourers continue to face financial pressure and require stronger measures to address their debt burden.
Water-sharing agreements are another major issue raised during the protest. Farmer groups have called for a review and cancellation of earlier agreements concerning the sharing of Punjab's river waters. They have also sought action on issues related to Punjab's representation in water management institutions. The demand reflects the long-standing political and agricultural importance of river-water allocation in the state.
The proposed free trade agreements have also drawn opposition from the farmer organisations. The unions have expressed concern that increased imports under trade agreements could affect domestic agricultural markets and put pressure on farm incomes. They are seeking withdrawal of agreements that they believe could adversely affect the interests of farmers.
Crop insurance is another issue highlighted by the protesting farmers. Farmer groups are seeking an effective and comprehensive crop insurance system that can provide timely financial support when crops are damaged. They have called for improvements in the existing framework to ensure that farmers receive adequate protection against agricultural losses.
The current protest has brought together farmer organisations under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha. Reports indicate that farmers from different parts of Punjab travelled to the Chandigarh-Mohali border using tractors and other vehicles to participate in the week-long agitation. Arrangements for food, shelter and other basic requirements have also been made at the protest site.
The protest has also resulted in traffic restrictions and diversions around parts of the Chandigarh-Mohali area. Authorities have advised commuters to use alternative routes because of the gathering and associated security arrangements.
Farmer leaders have said that they are prepared to continue their agitation if their demands are not addressed. Some organisations have also indicated that they could expand their protests if there is no satisfactory response from the authorities.
As the seven-day protest continues, attention is focused on whether the state or central authorities will initiate discussions with the farmer organisations. The outcome of the agitation could influence ongoing debates over agricultural pricing, farm debt, water-sharing arrangements, trade policy and crop protection.
For now, the farmers remain at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, pressing for their demands through the week-long protest. The farmer unions have maintained that legal protection for MSP, debt relief, water rights and safeguards against the possible impact of trade agreements are among their key priorities.