Farmers Demonstrate in Shimla, CM Sukhu Assures No Displacement Under Any Circumstances
Shimla, March 20, 2025 – Hundreds of farmers from the Himachal Kisan Sabha and Apple Producer Association gathered outside the Vidhan Sabha in Shimla today to voice their concerns about the eviction of agricultural land and the regularization of farming land under various state laws. The farmers marched from the Panchayat Ghar to Chaura Maidan, chanting slogans and demanding immediate attention to their pressing issues. Their demonstration highlighted the growing concerns over the security of agricultural land and the livelihood of farmers in Himachal Pradesh.
During the protest, a delegation of farmers met with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who assured them that their demands would be given sympathetic consideration by the state government. The demonstration was a call for action against the possible eviction of farmers from their lands, particularly in relation to the implementation of agricultural laws that have made land regularization a contentious issue.
At Chaura Maidan, Chief Minister Sukhu spoke directly to the delegation, emphasizing that the welfare of farmers and gardeners is a top priority for his government. “We will not let the farmers be displaced under any circumstances,” Sukhu stated firmly. “The state government is committed to ensuring that the farming community is supported and their lands are protected.”
One of the key concerns raised by the Kisan Sabha during the demonstration was the potential loss of agricultural land due to unpaid loans and other financial constraints. In response to these concerns, Chief Minister Sukhu announced a significant step to help protect the land of farmers. He mentioned the Agriculture Loan Interest Subsidy Scheme, which had been introduced in the state budget to provide financial relief to farmers struggling with loan repayments.
Under the scheme, the state government will offer a one-time settlement policy for agricultural loans up to three lakh rupees. This policy, Sukhu explained, would be implemented through banks, and the government would cover 50 percent of the interest on the principal amount of the loan. The Chief Minister assured the farmers that the government had allocated Rs. 50 crore for this scheme, aiming to prevent the auctioning of farmers’ land due to unpaid loans. The initiative aims to provide financial relief and help farmers retain their agricultural land.
“I have done farming myself, and my mother continues to farm in our village,” Sukhu remarked, emphasizing his personal understanding of the challenges faced by farmers. “I am fully aware of the difficulties our farmers face, and I assure you that every possible effort will be made to address these challenges.”
The demonstration also saw the participation of several key government officials, including Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani. These ministers joined the Chief Minister in expressing support for the farmers and their demands. Minister Negi, who is responsible for revenue-related issues, spoke about the government’s commitment to addressing concerns related to land ownership and agricultural policies.
The farmers were also joined by former MLA Rakesh Singha, who submitted a memorandum on behalf of the Kisan Sabha. Singha highlighted the urgent need for regularization of agricultural land and called for a fair and transparent system that would protect farmers’ rights to their land.
The Kisan Sabha’s protest comes at a time when issues related to agricultural land regularization and the financial pressures on farmers have become significant points of concern in Himachal Pradesh. The state’s farming community, especially in apple-growing regions, has been facing mounting challenges due to changes in land laws, financial stress, and the impact of climate change on agriculture. The demonstration sought to address these issues head-on and demand that the government take immediate action to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers.
The assurances provided by Chief Minister Sukhu were welcomed by the farmers present, who expressed hope that the state government would live up to its promises and ensure that their concerns were addressed in a timely and effective manner. With the implementation of the Agriculture Loan Interest Subsidy Scheme and other initiatives, farmers in Himachal Pradesh are hopeful that they will be able to safeguard their land and secure their livelihoods for the future.
As the demonstration concluded, the farmers remained optimistic that the dialogue with the state government would continue, and that their voices would lead to real, tangible changes for the betterment of the farming community in the state.
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