BKU: Moisture within limit, yet millers deducting money

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, October 4

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni has accused rice millers of deducting Rs 100 per quintal for 17 per cent moisture content, which is permissible, in paddy. He has threatened to launch a stir if the deduction is not stopped.

Gurnam Singh said, “We have received complaints from different grain markets that the rice millers have been deducting Rs 100 per quintal for 17 per cent moisture content, especially in PR26 variety. The farmers are ready for moisture cut if the moisture is over 17 per cent but the cut at 17 per cent is not acceptable.

“The commission agents also follow the directions of rice millers as they have no other option. The government should take a stand and take strict action against the rice millers. Otherwise, the farmers will be forced to launch another stir,” he said.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the procurement process and asked the farmers to lock the offices of market secretaries till all gate passes are not issued.

Gurnam Singh Charuni said, “The gate passes are not being issued and the procurement is also not going on smoothly. Huge stocks are lying in the grain markets. We have asked the farmers to hold protests as per their capacity and lock the offices of market secretaries till gate passes are not issued.”

On the other hand, Jewel Singla, chairman, Rice Millers and Dealers Association said, “The farmers should give the names of the millers to the administration and the association for appropriate action if any miller is deducting money wrongly. The government should install dryers in the grain markets so that there are no complaints regarding the moisture.”