High moisture content delays paddy harvesting

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, October 8

Farmers in most parts of the district are yet to start harvesting paddy due to its high moisture content.

Agriculture experts are of the view that it was anticipated that the paddy arrival at grain markets would gain momentum after October 10.

Eight days have passed since the paddy procurement season officially began on October 1, procurement agencies are yet to start purchasing the crop owing to high moisture content in the crop. It has led to delay in the start of procurement in the district.

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) had issued an advisory to farmers regarding the delay in harvesting in the wake of rainfall on September 27 and 28.

Rain at the September-end had added moisture content to paddy, making it unfit for procurement. Therefore, farmers have delayed harvesting.

The Agriculture Department is also making appeals to farmers to bring completely dried yield to the market so that they do not face any problem. The farmers should follow the specifics regarding the moisture content mentioned in the rules of the procurement agencies.

According to the administration, adequate measures have been taken by the department concerned and farmers will not face any difficulty while selling their produce at grain markets. Besides, the administration said the authorities were taking care of various factors such as labour, gunny bags, lifting, continuous electricity, potable water and other facilities.

Besides, the cotton crop is still arriving at grain markets. The ideal cotton bales are offered at Rs5,100 per quintal and the purchase has been done till date by the private players only. Whereas the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) is yet to start its purchase and it is expected that in the coming two-three days, it will commence its purchase in Bathinda.