Ambala’s paddy farmers concerned over slow lifting

With just 37.85 per cent stocks lifted till Thursday evening, farmers in the district have been forced to wait to sell their produce in the grain markets.

As per the data procured, over 3.34 lakh MT of paddy crop had arrived at 15 grain markets and purchase centres of Ambala district, of which 2.73 lakh MT has been procured by the procurement agencies till Thursday evening. Of total procured stocks, nearly 1.03 lakh MT (37.85) per cent stock have been lifted from the grain markets and purchase centres.

The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has purchased 1.36 lakh MT of which 37.84 per cent stock was lifted, the HAFED has purchased 1.28 lakh MT of which 38.23 per cent was lifted, while the Haryana State Warehousing Corporation has purchased only 8,420 MT of which 32.19 per cent was lifted.

Vinod Rana, a paddy farmer, said, “Due to space crunch at the grain markets, the farmers are forced to wait for hours to offload their produce. The commission agents have no space left to keep the paddy stock. The delay in procurement and lifting will delay the payments too. The government should improve the procurement process and start some special lifting to clear the grain markets.”

Rajiv Sharma, spokesman of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni), said, “The farmers have been facing inconvenience in the grain markets this year and there are reports of unauthorised cuts also being imposed. The procurement agencies should improve their lifting and also ensure timely payments to the farmers.”

District Marketing Enforcement Officer (DMEO) Rajiv Chaudhary said, “The lifting has been on the slower side and we are continuously asking the procurement agencies to improve lifting. The situation is improving gradually and we are hopeful that the situation will improve in a week. The officials have been directed to ensure smooth procurement.”

Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta said, “The procurement agencies have been directed to improve lifting and also clear the payments of the farmers in time. If any delay in lifting and clearing of payment comes to light, appropriate action will be initiated against agency officials.”