High paddy arrival in Kaithal mandis despite lower yield raises eyebrows

After Karnal, Kaithal district too has reported unusually high paddy arrivals in its grain markets this procurement season compared to the same period last year — sparking concern among officials over possible irregularities, given the reported lower yields following floods and unseasonal rain.

As per official data till October 30, all grain markets in Kaithal have collectively received 8,83,640 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy — 90,746 MT more than the 7,92,894 MT recorded during the corresponding period last year.

The Cheeka grain market, which had witnessed significant crop damage due to flooding earlier this season, surprisingly topped the list with an arrival of 3,51,020 MT, up from 3,35,917 MT last year. The Kaithal grain market logged 2,01,708 MT compared to 1,80,670 MT last year, while Dhand reported 1,66,939 MT, a sharp jump from 1,35,758 MT.

Other markets also showed higher arrivals — Pundri (95,100 MT against 74,302 MT), Kalayat (17,407 MT against 14,981 MT), and Rajound (14,856 MT against 13,111 MT). Pai mandi saw little change at 12,503 MT against 12,122 MT last year, while Siwan mandi was the only one to record a dip with 24,107 MT against 26,033 MT last season.

SDM Kaithal Ajay Singh attributed the higher arrivals to the expansion of the parmal (PR) variety cultivation area.

“We have taken strict steps to ensure smooth and transparent procurement. Physical verification will be conducted to cross-verify the arrival with allotment,” said the SDM.

Officials, however, remain cautious and say the pattern of increased arrivals despite reported crop loss warrants close scrutiny.