Farmers cry foul over absence of moisture meters in Karnal mandis

Amid the growing outrage over paddy being procured at throwaway prices, another lapse has surfaced — the absence of moisture meters with arhtiyas across grain markets in the district. Farmers alleged that despite directives from the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB), a majority of arhtiyas continue to operate without the meters, leaving farmers to depend on the meters of agencies and market committees.

Farmer leaders alleged that the moisture percentage was not displayed in the market committees, a practice that farmer unions say would bring transparency. “If the moisture content was displayed publicly, it would prevent manipulation and ensure farmers are paid according to the quality of their produce,” said Jagdeep Singh Aulakh, state core committee member of the BKU (Sir Chhotu Ram).

“The government’s meters vary in readings. Without proper calibration, how can anyone trust the figures being used to cut payments?” he asked.

He said the 17% moisture limit was set years ago when harvesting was mostly done manually. “Today, most farmers use combine harvesters, which results in higher moisture content. Labour is costly and hard to find. The government must relax outdated norms,” he demanded.

Bhadur Singh Mehla, spokesperson of the union, alleged that the lack of reliable testing tools was being used as an excuse to procure below MSP of Rs 2,389 per quintal for A-grade paddy. “Farmers are being forced to sell between Rs 1,900 and Rs 2,300 per quintal, all in the name of moisture,” he claimed.

The BKU has urged the administration to strictly enforce HSAMB’s earlier orders, ensuring that every arhtiya is equipped with a functional, calibrated meter. The union also demanded that the moisture percentage be displayed to prevent exploitation.

Rajnish Chaudhary, president of the Karnal Arhtiyas Association, said some arhtiyas had meters. “We have requested the arhtiyas to ensure meters at their shops, and to display the moisture percentage,” he said.

DC Uttam Singh said, “Officials of the market committees have been instructed to ensure meters at all shops. All meters with market committees and procurement agencies should be functioning properly,” he said, adding moisture content should also be displayed.