1 September 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has begun a seven-day pakka morcha in the Chandigarh-Mohali area, with farmers camping at the designated protest site from September 1 to 7. The agitation focuses on a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), farm debt waiver and Punjab’s water rights, while traffic restrictions have been imposed on key roads.
Legal Guarantee for MSP
A major demand of the protesting farmers is a statutory guarantee for MSP for all crops.
The SKM wants MSP to be calculated according to the C2+50% formula, arguing that farmers need a legally enforceable price assurance rather than MSP merely being announced as a support mechanism.
Punjab Water Rights at the Centre
Punjab’s river-water rights are another major focus of the morcha.
The farmers have demanded that previous agreements concerning the sharing of Punjab’s river waters be scrapped and have sought a special session of the Punjab Assembly on the issue.
They are also demanding restoration of Punjab’s representation in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Complete Farm and Labour Debt Waiver
The SKM has demanded a complete waiver of loans owed by farmers and agricultural labourers.
Farmer organisations have argued that rural indebtedness affects not only land-owning farmers but also agricultural workers and households dependent on the farm economy.
Farmers Oppose US, European Trade Deals
The unions are also opposing proposed free-trade agreements with the US and European countries.
They fear cheaper agricultural imports could put pressure on domestic crop prices and increase competition for Indian farmers.
Electricity and Seed Bills Opposed
The SKM has demanded withdrawal of the Electricity Bill 2025 and Seed Bill 2025.
The unions have also called for repeal of the Dam Safety Act and withdrawal of the Disaster Management Act, 2024, adding several policy issues to the protest charter.
₹500 Sugarcane Price, ₹10,000 Pension
The farmers have demanded that sugarcane be priced at ₹500 per quintal.
They are also seeking a ₹10,000 monthly pension for farmers, agricultural labourers and rural artisans, broadening the agitation to include rural social-security demands.
Why the Morcha Is Being Held in Mohali
The designated protest site is around Sector 48-C, on the road connecting the IISER T-point towards Tribune Chowk.
The stretch is strategically important because it links Mohali and Chandigarh and connects with the airport corridor. Farmers have arrived with tractor-trolleys and supplies and plan to remain at the site through September 7.
Traffic Curbs Put in Place
The protest has triggered traffic restrictions in the Chandigarh-Mohali region.
The road from IISER Chowk to Bestech Mall in Phase 11 and onwards through Jagatpura towards Chandigarh has been closed to vehicles, according to the traffic advisory. Traffic from the Faidan barrier towards Chandigarh has also been diverted.
Airport Travellers Asked to Plan Ahead
The Chandigarh-Mohali Airport Road corridor is expected to see significant disruption during the seven-day agitation.
Travellers heading to Chandigarh airport and commuters travelling between Mohali and Chandigarh have been advised to account for additional travel time and use alternative routes where possible.