Why Hisar & Bhiwani farmers are resorting to distress sale of bajra

Despite the state government’s promises of purchasing bajra on Minimum Support Price (MSP), farmers of Bhiwani and Hisar districts have been left high and dry at grain markets, with procurement agencies shying away from purchasing produce.

As a result, farmers are being forced to sell their produce at throwaway prices to arhtiyas (private commission agents).

What is the cause of the bajra price crash?

Prices of bajra have crashed in various parts of the state due to government agencies not procuring the grain on MSP. Farmers are now distress selling their produce to private traders, since they urgently need funds to prepare fields for the rabi season.

Why are government agencies not procuring bajra?

Procurement agencies — including the HAFED and the Haryana Warehouse Corporation — are not procuring bajra due to the produce being discoloured and of poor quality — caused by excessive rain.

Government officials say they would purchase produce if and when the government revises the quality criteria for the grain.

What is the MSP for bajra?

The Centre has fixed an MSP of Rs 2,775 per quintal for bajra this kharif season. While state government procurement agencies offer Rs 2,200 per quintal to farmers on procurement, another Rs 575 per quintal will be given by the state government to farmers under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana (BBY).

How much losses are farmers incurring?

In the absence of procurement by government agencies, arhtiyas are offering Rs 1,700-Rs 2,100 to farmers.

So, even after getting Rs 575 per quintal under the BBY, farmers are still short of the MSP of Rs 2,775. The All India Kisan Sabha is demanding that the government procure bajra at MSP.

Have officials taken action in this regard?

Bhiwani Deputy Commissioner Sahil Gupta has ordered transparent procurement, directed that purchases be made only from farmers registered on the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal, and directed the HAFED and the Haryana Warehousing Corporation to start procurement.

The DC has also emphasised the need for proper mandi arrangements, and warned against malpractice by officials.

What are the farmers saying?

Farmers claim that government agencies are rejecting their produce on “baseless grounds” such as discoloration, even when it meets official quality standards.

This has forced them to sell at very low prices, which they say is worsening their financial condition and undermining confidence in the government’s procurement promises.