Dhankar pulls up officials for apathetic attitude

Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, October 3

Agriculture Minister OP Dhankar today visited Ladwa and Shahabad grain markets and pulled up the officials of procurement agencies and market committee for their lackadaisical attitude.

On seeing the minister, farmers apprised him about the problems being faced by them. They alleged that the government agencies were not purchasing their produce on time or at fair prices.

The minister checked the weighing machines, the quality of the produce and the procurement process. Meanwhile, officials failed to give satisfactory replies to queries posed by the minister.

Jagtar Singh, a farmer from Girdharpur village, said “I brought my produce four days ago and the moisture content in the produce is as per the norms but it has not been purchased.”

Fateh Singh, farmer from Chhapra village, said “The farmers are not getting fair prices. As per official records, farmers are getting the MSP but in reality we are getting only around Rs 1,200 - Rs 1,400 per quintal.”

Addressing the farmers, Dhankar said, “The government is procuring your stocks and will pay for it. Don’t sell your produce below the MSP. If anyone tries to purchase it below this, make a complaint to the officials concerned.” Talking to the media, Dhankar said “I have pulled up the officials and have asked the local MLA to visit the grain market on regular basis so that the issues of the farmers could be resolved on time.”