QR code-based gate passes to plug loopholes in paddy procurement

In a major step to tighten monitoring and curb irregularities in the ongoing paddy procurement process, the Haryana Government has decided to introduce QR code-based gate passes for farmers through the e-Kharid mobile application. The move comes in the wake of reports of fake gate passes, proxy procurement and unusual paddy arrivals in several grain markets despite delayed harvesting and lower yields.

An official of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB) confirmed that the new system will replace the existing web-based gate pass module, which has been discontinued with immediate effect. The Director General, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, has issued instructions to the Principal Secretary and Director General of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Managing Directors of HAFED and HSWC, all Deputy Commissioners (DCs), District Food and Supplies Controllers (DFSCs) and the Additional Chief IT Officer for swift implementation.

As per the communication, a copy of which is with ‘The Tribune’, farmers will now be able to generate their own gate passes digitally from any location. However, the QR code and gate pass number will only become visible when the farmer physically enters the mandi for which the pass has been issued.

“The gatekeeper will validate the farmer’s self-generated gate pass by scanning the QR code. This process will be possible only when both the gatekeeper and the farmer are present within the mandi premises,” the official said. The system will also record the device ID of the gatekeeper’s mobile, ensuring complete traceability and accountability.

To further strengthen digital safeguards, all gatekeepers, auction recorders, and inspectors will now log in using OTP-based authentication. The OTP will be sent to their registered mobile numbers and each user account will remain active on only one device at a time — automatically logging out from previous sessions if accessed elsewhere.

Officials said the new mechanism aims to end the practice of issuing multiple gate passes from different IP addresses and eliminate fake passes that were possible under the manual, web-based system.

‘The Tribune’ had earlier reported a spike in paddy arrivals in certain grain markets despite lower yields, raising suspicion that stocks were being brought in from Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states.

Officials suspect ‘proxy procurement’ in Karnal

Following the detection of a shortfall of over 13,000 quintals of paddy across several rice mills, the Karnal district administration has intensified physical verification of mills and inspection of gate passes issued this season.

Officials suspect that proxy procurement may have been used to adjust paddy arrivals from other states using bogus gate passes to inflate mandi records.

The administration has now zeroed in on key procurement centres — Karnal, Gharaunda, Taraori, Nissing, and Jundla — where teams are cross-verifying gate passes and mill stock records.

“We are verifying the stocks of mills with allotment of paddy,” said Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh. “Strict monitoring measures have been put in place to detect irregularities. Any discrepancy or malpractice detected will invite strong legal and administrative action.”