Explainer: Why are farmers’ crops still being weighed on manual scales in Haryana?

The Haryana Government has made it mandatory for arhtiyas (commission agents) and rice millers to use digital weighing machines in paddy procurement, but ground realities reveal that most mandis are still running on old mechanical scales. Here is what you need to know about the importance of reform, and why is there reluctance.Why has the government made digital weighing machines mandatory at grain markets?The primary reason is transparency and accuracy. Mechanical scales often leave room for manipulation, leading to under-weighing of crops. The farmers have been alleging that some traders weigh extra kgs per quintal, causing financial losses. By introducing digital machines, the government hopes to ensure fair weighing of every farmer’s produce, eliminate disputes between the farmers and agents, build trust in the procurement process, prevent exploitation, especially during the peak paddy season when every kg counts.How are the farmers affected by the use of manual scales?The farmers claim that reliance on manual scales results in them being cheated regularly. Even a small extra weighing of paddy per quintal can lead to a large cumulative loss in the season. For instance, if 1–2 kg is over-weighed per quintal, a farmer bringing 100 quintals could lose up to 100-200 kg of paddy — a direct financial hit. Farmer leaders say some arhtiyas and rice millers are hand in glove. To cheat the farmers, they do not use digital weighing machines, so they demand immediate government action against such practices.”What do farmer unions say about digital weighing?Farmer unions are in favour of digital scales. They argue that fair procurement can only happen if weighing is standardised and tamper-proof. The farmers have already protested at various grain markets in the district for the implementation of government directions. They say only digital machines can save the farmers from cheating. Their stance is clear — without digital scales, procurement reforms will remain incomplete, and the farmer grievances will continue.Why are the arhtiyas and rice millers reluctant to install digital machines?Despite the government order, most arhtiyas and rice millers continue to use mechanical scales. Their reluctance is due to some reasons including cost factor, operational issues, labour challenges and others. The arhtiyas and millers say digital scales are more expensive to buy and maintain than manual ones. They complain of problems with battery backup, calibration and breakdowns. Besides, they say daily-wage labourers handling weighing often lack training to operate computerised systems. During the day, the numbering is not easily visible. They say, there can be an issue related to leveling with the digital scales.What is the government’s stance on enforcement?Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini during his recent visit in Karnal made it clear that the arhtiyas and rice millers had to install digital weighing machines, for which directions were given to all Deputy Commissioners for the compliance. Karnal Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh has warned secretaries of market committees, arhtiyas and rice millers to comply within days or face action. How soon will the transition happen?Officials assure that the compliance will be ensured within this procurement season. However, the arhtiyas’ hesitation and the lack of strict penalties so far mean that many continue to delay installation. The farmer leaders warn that if the transition is not immediate, the purpose of government directives will be defeated. What does the conflict represent in the larger picture?The issue reflects a wider tug-of-war among the farmers, arhtiyas, millers, officials of the marketing boards and the district administration. The farmers want fairness, accountability and an end to exploitation, while the arhtiyas and rice millers want flexibility, citing technical and financial barriers, the authorities want transparency but struggle to enforce rules uniformly across districts.

Explainer: Why are farmers’ crops still being weighed on manual scales in Haryana?

Arhtiyas and rice millers’ reluctance is due to cost factor, operational issues and labour challenges

Parveen Arora

Explainer: Why are farmers’ crops still being weighed on manual scales in Haryana?

Arhtiyas and rice millers’ reluctance is due to cost factor, operational issues and labour challenges

Parveen Arora

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