Chautala slams BJP over paddy procurement delays, calls for transparency

Aditya Devi Lal, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader and MLA from Dabwali, recently visited the paddy procurement centre in Chautala village, where he observed firsthand the challenging conditions farmers are facing. Farmers informed Chautala that they had been waiting in the mandi for up to five days without any purchases, alleging that mismanagement by the BJP government and its agencies was to blame for the delays.

In response to complaints about rejected paddy due to "high moisture levels," Chautala conducted moisture inspections using equipment from the Warehouse, Hafed, and the Dabwali Market Committee. The machines gave varying readings: the Warehouse recorded 16.2% moisture, Hafed showed 21.8%, and the Market Committee indicated 17.4%. This inconsistency in standards has left farmers uncertain and often unfairly penalised, as their paddy is frequently rejected without clear reasons.

At Chautala’s warehouse centre, officials reported that out of 11,665 quintals of paddy purchased, only 4,659 quintals had been lifted, leaving 7,006 quintals waiting for transportation. Similarly, Hafed procured 4,375 quintals but had only moved 2,485 quintals, with 1,890 quintals still pending. These delays add to the farmers' burdens, forcing them to wait longer to have their paddy accepted and transported.

Chautala condemned the BJP government, accusing it of failing to protect the interests of farmers. “Procurement agencies under the government are exploiting farmers with inconsistent moisture standards, denying them timely payment and fair treatment,” he said.

He called for urgent action to ensure transparency in the state’s mandis, stressing that the government must not ignore the struggles of the “annadata” (food provider).