Ambala farmers seek probe into rice arrivals at mills

A marginal shortfall in the total paddy arrivals is expected in Ambala this year, with fresh arrivals starting to dwindle. As per data shared by the district administration, over 5.65 lakh MT of stock has arrived across 15 grain markets and purchase centres of the district so far. Last year, the district had recorded a total arrival of around 6.06 lakh MT.

However, farmers say that considering the yield loss due to heavy rains, waterlogging and crop diseases, the arrival of 5.65 lakh MT is not realistic and have sought an inquiry.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) district president Malkit Singh said, “The farmers suffered heavy losses this year. Against the yield of 34-35 quintal last year, the farmers have reported an average yield of 20-25 quintal this year. A huge quantity of rice is being brought to the mills from other states, causing losses to the state as well as the farmers. The union has been demanding a probe into the issuance of gate passes and the physical verification of mills to ascertain the truth.”

BKU (Shaheed Bhagat Singh) president Amarjeet Singh said, “The Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal and other portals are being misused for fake registrations and to adjust the paddy and rice brought from Uttar Pradesh. The government should hold an inquiry, cross-verify land under paddy and take action against officials responsible for the situation.”

District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) Apar Tiwari said, “The total arrivals are expected to stay lower than the previous year. The fresh arrivals are negligible in the grain markets and the total arrivals are expected to touch 5.75 lakh MT this year, against the total arrivals of 6.06 lakh MT last year. The physical verification of the mills will begin in a couple of days and the details about the quantity of rice and paddy at the mills will be cleared after physical verification.”

Saying that farmers are likely to receive the compensation this month, DC Ajay Singh Tomer said, “The procurement season is on its last leg and the fresh arrivals are low. A shortfall in the arrivals compared to the previous year is being observed due to the losses due to heavy rains and waterlogging. The farmers had raised claims on the E-kshatipurti portal for losses in 51,000 acres in the district, and after verification, the information has been sent for consideration."