Potato Farmers in Sadiya Stage Major Protest for Fair Prices
Farmers Demand Fair Pricing and Market System
Sadiya, January 5: A significant protest by potato farmers on Monday caused major traffic disruptions on the Sadiya main road, as they called for equitable pricing for their crops and the establishment of a proper market framework.
The demonstration took place at the 8 Mile Tiniali area, where farmers unloaded thousands of kilograms of potatoes onto the roadway as a form of protest.
This action completely halted vehicular traffic along the Sadiya road, resulting in a traffic jam that persisted for over three hours.
Over a hundred farmers gathered at the protest site, reminiscent of the large-scale farmer movements seen in Punjab in recent years.
In statements to the media, the protesting farmers expressed that potato growers in Sadiya are grappling with a severe crisis, with production costs significantly outpacing market prices.
Farmers arrived at the protest site with tractors
They reported that seed potatoes are being sold for approximately Rs 60 per kg, while the price of harvested potatoes has plummeted to as low as Rs 7 per kg, leading to substantial losses for growers.
“We are not receiving a fair price for our crops. Farmers are in dire straits, with many having taken out bank loans for potato cultivation. We suspect a large syndicate is involved and urge the authorities to intervene,” lamented one protester.
The farmers also claimed that markets throughout Assam are inundated with inferior-quality potatoes imported from other states, which undermines local farmers' ability to secure fair prices.
They noted that several young farmers who have borrowed money to start potato farming are now overwhelmed with debt and face an uncertain future.
Another farmer remarked that government promises have not translated into tangible relief. “Numerous schemes have been announced for farmers, yet nothing has changed. In 2022, we were assured that farmers' incomes would double. Now, in 2026, incomes are declining instead. We demand the creation of a dedicated farmers’ market in Tinsukia,” he stated, wishing to remain anonymous.
After nearly three hours of protest, the farmers submitted a memorandum to the Sadiya sub-divisional administration and temporarily suspended their agitation.
However, they cautioned that they would escalate their protests in the coming days if their demands remain unaddressed following discussions with the government.