Govt yet to procure paddy, bajra in F’bad and Palwal: Farmers

Bijendra Ahlawat

Tribune News Service

Faridabad/Palwal, October 17

Paddy and bajra farmers are dissatisfied with the response of government agencies in procuring the produce. Since the government has not started procurement, farmers are “forced” to sell the produce to private traders below the MSP.

Hari Kishan of Palwal’s Mindkola village claimed the situation was no different from last year’s.

The government has announced Rs 1,450 and Rs 1,510 a quintal as MSP for two varieties of paddy. The MSP for bajra is Rs 1,360.

Rajpal Singh, a farmer from Jorkhera village, said only private traders had shown interest in buying his 40 quintals of paddy for Rs 1,250 a quintal.

“The government procures only parmal (Grade A and common), while private companies buy basmati varieties. The rates for basmati varieties range between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2,200 a quintal,” he said.

Sunil Kumar Bisla, a farmer from Dayalpur village, claimed the government agencies were rejecting the produce, citing various specifications — one of them being moisture content.

Commission agent Lalit Bansal claimed the government agencies had not started procuring produce. “Traders are buying paddy for Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,275, and bajra for Rs 1,175 and Rs 1,200.

Kushal Pal Boora, District Food and Supply Controller (DFSC) of Faridabad and Palwal, claimed official procurement had begun. “The produce meeting all specifications will be procured,” he said. “Government agencies have procured more than 14,000 metric tonnes of paddy in Palwal district. Farmers must ensure that moisture in the produce should be up to acceptable limit,” Boora added.

Ashok Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Palwal, claimed he had not received any complaint about procurement.