Hooda visits Gohana mandi, raises farmers' issues

Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday visited the grain market in Gohana and interacted with farmers, commission agents, and workers to understand their problems.

Speaking to reporters, he said he was visiting markets across the state. Farmers in several markets, including Gohana, had made similar complaints. “Farmers are being forced to sell their produce at rates lower than MSP, and there are significant irregularities in paddy procurement. Their difficulties are compounded by the difficulty of obtaining gate passes and lack of storage space at the market. Government agencies are refusing to purchase paddy, citing moisture or black grains, resulting in farmers receiving up to Rs 500 per quintal less than MSP,” he alleged.

“In many places, crops have been destroyed due to the recent floods, and the remaining yield is very low. The government is not even paying the full price for the remaining crop,” he claimed.

He demanded that the government provide a discount of 22-24% moisture in paddy procurement, provide relief for black grains, and announce a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal.

“The complexities of Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal, registration, and gate passes have troubled farmers. Delays in harvesting and delayed payments are further exacerbating their difficulties,” he added.