Nexus between millers, govt agencies: Arhtiyas

Our Correspondent

Abohar, October 12

Members of the Arhtiyas Association on Friday alleged that paddy growers were being exploited by representatives of some rice mills who had developed a nexus with state government purchase agencies.

They claimed that this had become an unethical practice for the past few years. As and when some action was solicited, the powerful lobby of millers would threaten to stop milling. Last year, milling had to be done at mills in Rajasthan.

On a tip-off that the “partners in the nexus” were holding a secret meeting at a hotel in Jain Nagari, some members of the association carried out a surprise checking, but the people concerned had reportedly dispersed by then. The members approached Sub-Divisional Magistrate Poonam Singh and apprised her of the alleged nexus. They claimed that rice mills representatives had been purchasing paddy at Rs 70 less than the MSP in connivance with some state government officials by threatening farmers to reject the produce as it contained more moisture than the specification. The deputation said CCTV footages of the hotels should be examined to ascertain the allegations.

The SDM assured to conduct an inquiry and said anyone found guilty would face the music. She said purchases below the MSP would not be allowed, adding that the interests of farmers would be protected.

Agents boycott cotton purchase

Fazilka: The local commission agents have boycotted the procurement of cotton in the cotton yard here on Friday to protest against the Central government decision to buy cotton directly from the farmers through the Cotton Corporation of India. The commission agents submitted a memorandum to DC Manpreet Singh. Gurpreet Singh Lovery Kathpal, president, Arhtiya Association, Fazilka, said the Centre was trying to create a wedge between the decades' old relationship of commission agents and farmers. OC