Himachal Kisan Sabha slams tardy lifting of paddy

Shimla, October 19

Unhappy with the slow pace of paddy procurement in Kangra’s Fatehpur and Tehora, the Himachal Kisan Sabha has termed the procurement an election stunt. “In both these mandis, only 400 quintal paddy is being procured every day. At this rate, it will take six months to buy the entire stock,” said Kisan Sabha president Kuldeep Tanwar, adding that this particular region produces 1.5 lakh quintal paddy.

He alleged that the procurement, which the government started after farmers’ agitation and opposition of its candidates for the by-elections, is turning out to be a sham. “The government has not made proper arrangements. The local farmers want procurement through mandis as it is done in Punjab,” said Tanwar.

Tanwar said the government should stop using the procurement process merely as a ploy to get votes and should speed up the procurement. “The quantity purchased everyday should be enhanced sharply, otherwise the procurement will continue until the next season,” said Tanwar. — TNS

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