Only 11880 MT paddy could be procured in 32 days
Jagran correspondent, Ara (Bhojpur). Farmers are facing serious crisis due to very slow pace of paddy procurement in the district. After harvesting, paddy is kept in the barns, but the required quantity is not being procured through government committees. The situation is such that in 32 days the government committees of the district have been able to procure only 11,880 metric tons of paddy, which is not even 10 percent of the total possible purchase. Private traders are taking advantage of this situation and they are purchasing paddy from farmers at a price much lower than the minimum support price.
To speed up paddy procurement, District Cooperative Officer Lovely has himself started the initiative. In the last two days, he has purchased more than 488 metric tons of paddy from 212 farmers.
He informed that 30 percent advance amount has been made available to 191 PACS and cooperative societies of the district. With this amount, it is possible to purchase about 30 thousand metric tons of paddy, but the pace of procurement at the ground level is still not satisfactory.
Farmers say that almost three-fourth of the paddy harvest has been completed. After harvesting, paddy is lying in the barns and due to clouds in the sky, there is a fear of rain.
If it rains, there is a possibility of paddy getting spoiled. Earlier, Cyclone Montha had also caused huge damage to the crops.
Due to strong wind and rain, the paddy crop fell at many places, causing it to rot. The weight of the crop that is left has also reduced by 25 to 28 percent.
In such circumstances, farmers are forced to sell paddy immediately. The rate for selling paddy from government committees is Rs 2,369 per quintal, while private traders are ready to pay only Rs 1,850 per quintal.
Not only this, despite low moisture in paddy, traders are paying by deducting 17 percent moisture. Due to this, farmers are suffering huge financial losses.
Recently, a meeting of the District Task Force (Procurement) was held under the chairmanship of District Officer Tanay Sultania. In the meeting, a detailed review of the progress of paddy procurement, preparations of committees and payments being made to farmers was made.
On the demand of the District Cooperative Officer, necessary resources have been made available to keep the process of paddy procurement smooth.
Despite this, farmers say that unless the pace of procurement in the committees increases, they will be forced to sell paddy at low prices. Farmers have demanded the administration to increase the number of procurement centres, ensure timely payment and speed up the procurement process.