Border Farmers Rush Wheat Harvest Amid Rising Tensions
Farmers with landholdings across the barbed wire fencing along the zero line of the Indo-Pakistan border are harvesting their wheat crops at a frantic pace, fearing potential escalation along the frontier.
In this sector alone, about 6,800 acres of fertile farmland lie beyond the border fence, primarily used for traditional crops due to strict restrictions. Overall, approximately 20,000 acres of agricultural land sit across the fencing in Punjab along the Indo-Pakistan border. While farmers have accelerated harvesting operations, many are worried they may not be able to collect the remaining crop residue, which serves as crucial fodder for livestock.
On Saturday, there were reports that the Border Security Force (BSF) made announcements via village gurdwaras, instructing farmers to clear the fields within 48 hours. However, the BSF officially denied issuing any formal order for early wheat harvesting. Normally, BSF personnel open the gates at 9 a.m., allowing farmers to access their fields across the fence, with a deadline to return by 5 p.m. Lately, additional time is being granted to ensure the harvest is completed.
In some areas, farmers face additional hardships, having to transport agricultural equipment like tractors and harvesters across the Sutlej River using makeshift wooden "beras" (floating platforms). This method is fraught with risks, but the farmers have no alternative, with the river on one side and Pakistan on the other.
The BSF has assured farmers of full support, tightening security measures to ease their concerns following the recent terror attack in Pehalgam.
“Whenever tensions rise between India and Pakistan, it’s the border farmers who suffer the most. Still, we stand with our forces and will continue to do so,” said Gurjant Singh from Gatti Rahime Ke village.
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