Karnal, Sept. 19 -- As harvesting kicks-off in most parts of the paddy growing region of Haryana, farmer unions have demanded an early procurement for the kharif season, schedule for which is yet to be announced by the government.

The activists have cited that the harvesting has already started, which will be at its peak by the end of this month and paddy and bajra crops have also started reaching the mandis of the state.

In view of this, members of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) held a one-day fast on Thursday at the deputy commissioner (DC)'s office in various districts.

Faction president Gurnam Singh Charuni himself protested while fasting from 10 am to 4 pm outside the office of Kurukshetra DC.

Charuni said that paddy has started ...