Patiala, June 29 -- Unscheduled power cuts owing to record demand driven by soaring temperatures and the ongoing paddy transplantation season have sparked protests by farmers across the state. The union leaders have warned of intensified demonstrations outside Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) offices across the state on June 30, if the situation doesn't improve.

On Sunday, farmers staged sit-ins outside the PSPCL subdivision offices in Majithia (Amritsar), Sangrur, Mansa, Patiala and Bathinda districts, alleging that erratic supply was disrupting paddy transplantation.

The protests came on a day when the state recorded its highest electricity demand of the season. Peak demand touched 16,842 MW on Sunday, surpassing the pre...