Arhtiyas' Strike Continues in Punjab Until Demands Are Met

07-Apr-2026 01:22 PM

Chandigarh. The *Arhtiyas* (commission agents) of Punjab are demanding a fixed, permanent commission rate of 2.5 percent on the procurement of agricultural commodities (primarily paddy and wheat). Until 2020, a variable commission rate was in effect; subsequently, however, it was revised and capped at 2.5 percent. This implies that the actual commission rate could potentially fall below 2.5 percent.

Demanding a fixed and permanent commission rate of 2.5 percent, *Arhtiyas* across all *mandis* (markets) in Punjab have gone on strike. They have declared that their strike will continue until these demands are accepted.

It is noteworthy that in Punjab—the state contributing the highest volume of food grains to the Central Pool—the wheat procurement season commenced on April 1st. At such a critical juncture, if the *Arhtiyas'* strike persists, it could create significant hurdles in the government procurement of this vital food grain.

This year, a target of procuring 122 lakh tonnes of wheat for the Central Pool has been set for Punjab. Adverse weather conditions in the state are already hampering the wheat harvest, and the *Arhtiyas'* strike has further exacerbated the situation. Consequently, the anxiety among farmers continues to mount.