Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): With geopolitical tensions involving Iran disrupting trade routes, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has approached the Prime Minister seeking immediate intervention to address mounting losses faced by the state’s Basmati rice sector.
Sandhwan said consignments valued at more than ₹2,000 crore are currently held up due to the crisis, leaving exporters unable to receive payments and triggering a chain reaction across the agricultural economy. He noted that the uncertainty has already begun to reflect in domestic markets, where Basmati prices in mandis are witnessing a steady decline.
Calling the situation alarming, the Speaker said farmers, rice millers and exporters are all bearing the brunt of the disruption. He warned that prolonged delays could erode trust in India’s export commitments and weaken Punjab’s position in the global Basmati trade.
In his appeal to the Prime Minister, Sandhwan emphasised the need for swift diplomatic and financial solutions to unlock payments and facilitate the movement of goods. He also underlined the urgency of protective measures to cushion farmers from further price drops.
Describing the issue as not just a trade concern but an economic one for the state, Sandhwan said timely action by the Centre could prevent deeper losses and help stabilise the sector at a critical moment.
