After the implementation of the DBT in Punjab, the arhtiyas have started arm twisting the farmers.
They have been demanding signed blank cheques from farmers for their loan repayment. If the farmer is unwilling to provide blank cheques, arhtiyas have refused to help in the procurement of wheat.
Farmers are heavily dependent on arhtiyas for cash. So, arhtiyas provide the much needed cash to farmers and used to take back money once the procurement was complete.
But, with the DBT in place, money will now directly go to farmers’ accounts.
So, arhtiyas are asking for blank cheques to get their loan amount from farmers.
The Indian Express has reported that many farmers are facing issues because of this blackmailing from the arhtiyas.
Earlier the Amarinder Singh government had insisted that the procurement payment should happen only through arhtiyas.
But the union government refused. It refused to make any procurement if DBT was not implemented.
Finally, the Punjab government relented.
After the union government passed the three progressive farm laws, arhtiyas from Punjab have been protesting on the Delhi border. They are demanding a repeal of the new laws.
