Farmers protest against rice millers, block highway

Farmers under the banner of Bharti Kisan Union (Dakaunda) blocked the Fazilka-Ferozepur highway near the Ladhuka Mandi bus stand, 12 km from here, today. They were protest against the rice millers for allegedly forming a cartel to buy basmati at lower prices.

The protest began at 2.30 pm and continued till evening. Meanwhile, the purchase of paddy remained suspended. There is no minimum support price (MSP) for basmati.

Union leader Harish Nadha alleged the millers had been purchasing basmati at prices around Rs 200 lower than the rates prevailing in the nearby grain markets. He said the farmers were being offered about Rs 3,500-3,600 per quintal at the Ladhuka mandi as compared to Rs 3,800 being offered at the Fazilka grain market. There are seven rice mills in Ladhuka.

Nadha said the farmers had brought the issue to the notice of the administration and demanded immediate intervention.

Rice Millers Association president Avinash Chatrath, however, said they had been buying basmati at the maximum prevailing rates. He said they could not compete with other mandis. He ruled out having formed any cartel to buy paddy on cheaper rates.