Hooda blasts BJP over delay in paddy purchase, payment to farmers

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda criticised the BJP government today, alleging it was intentionally delaying the procurement, lifting, and payment of paddy, forcing farmers into financial losses. Speaking to mediapersons after an Assembly session, Hooda accused the BJP of breaking its election promises to farmers. “Once again, the BJP government has failed to provide full MSP and fertilisers to farmers on time,” he said.

Hooda pointed out that due to irregular paddy purchases in the state’s mandis, farmers are selling crops at Rs 200-300 below the MSP. “The BJP had promised farmers a paddy purchase price of Rs 3,100 during the elections, but like always, this promise proved to be false,” he said.

Reflecting on his own tenure, Hooda said farmers faced no issues selling their crops under the Congress government. “After cutting the J form, farmers received full payment within three days. Now, it takes days, even months, for payments to be made,” he asserted.

He added that farmers are also struggling to get DAP fertiliser for the next sowing season. “Due to non-supply, they wait in long queues for days,” Hooda remarked.

With mandis overflowing, many farmers are left with no choice but to place their crops on the road, he said, noting that “10 lakh metric tonnes of paddy is still waiting to be lifted, leading to delayed payments.” Hooda urged the government to “not test the patience of the farmers” and fulfil its duty by providing full MSP, timely payments, and fertiliser supply.