Farmers gherao DC’s house over procurement

Farmers, under the banner of BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan), gheraoed the residence of the deputy commissioner here on Saturday. They were demanding immediate resumption of paddy procurement in grain markets across the district.

The protesters alleged nearly 3 lakh bags of paddy were lying unsold in various mandis, yet the procurement process had been halted at several centres without any explanation by the authorities. Moreover, paddy crop was yet to be harvested in some pockets, they claimed.

Mansa unit president of the union Ram Singh Bhaini Bagha said, “After our protest, the SDM and the DSP came and assured us that procurement would resume on Monday. Following their assurance, we ended the protest.”

Over 11L sell paddy at MSP

Chandigarh: Leaving no stone unturned to ensure a smooth paddy procurement season, the pro-active approach of the Punjab Government has led to 11,31,270 farmers benefiting from the minimum support price (MSP) till November 12, said a press release by Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak.