Delayed lifting of paddy sparks resentment, mills begin ops

Resentment is growing among farmers in the region due to slow paddy procurement and delayed lifting from local grain markets. Farmers have expressed frustration over long waiting times and difficulties in the procurement process.

A farmer, Neeraj, said, “Farmers are being harassed on the pretext of moisture content and other issues.” The problem of space crunch in the grain markets has also begun due to the slow lifting of paddy. A procurement agency official explained that there would be space constraints until lifting operations are smooth. “After the active participation of rice mills, the procurement would run smoothly, and farmers would get sufficient space,” said the official.

Relax moisture standards by 2-3%

I have been waiting for the past three days for my paddy crop to be procured, but I’ve been told that due to moisture levels being 18 to 19%, it would not be procured. The agencies should relax moisture standards by 2-3%. —Krishan Lal, farmer

In a positive development, rice millers have started registering for the custom-milled rice (CMR) programme for 2024-25, with some already accepting paddy, which has allowed for lifting to begin in a few grain markets.

Karnal DC Uttam Singh assured that every possible step is being taken to expedite the purchase and lifting of paddy in the mandis. “Necessary instructions have been issued to the agencies, and administrative officers will conduct visits to the mandis to review the situation,” he said.

As of October 9, a total of 23 lakh quintals of paddy had arrived in different grain markets, with 8.4 lakh quintals already purchased. However, only 21 per cent of the purchased paddy has been lifted so far. Procurement is being managed by agencies such as the Food and Supplies Department, HAFED, and Haryana Warehousing Corporation.

The DC said 125 rice millers had registered for procurement so far, with a target of 270, and the registration process was expected to be completed within few days. “We have started registration for CMR after the assurance of the government,” said Saurabh Gupta, president, Karnal Rice Millers and Dealers’ Association.

In Kaithal, DC Vivek Bharti said procurement agencies had purchased 1,80,750 MT paddy at the minimum support price (MSP) by October 9. Of this, 1,01,989 MT was purchased by the Food and Supplies Department, 28,597 MT by HAFED, and 50,949 MT by the Haryana Warehousing Corporation.