State likely to miss 60 LMT parmal purchase target

With the procurement of parmal paddy set to conclude on November 15, Haryana is likely to miss the procurement target of 60 lakh metric tonnes (MT). Official records indicate that grain markets across the state have received 51.94 lakh MT till November 13 evening. During last season, the arrival of parmal varieties was over 59 lakh MT. The gap has raised concerns over factors impacting the production and arrival rates.

November 15 last day of procurement

Agricultural experts attribute the decline to a combination of factors, including a drop in yield due to untimely rainfall and increase in the area of basmati varieties (particularly 1509). They said crop diversification might also be a reason.

“Rainfall affected the crop quality and yield, especially during flowering and maturity time. During last season, basmati variety 1509 gave good returns to farmers, hence, several farmers reduced the area of parmal varieties and cultivated 1509 variety,” said Dr Virender Lather, former principal scientist of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), regional station Karnal.

Officials of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB) pointed to additional reasons affecting the arrival, saying that strict monitoring in grain markets and recent measures aimed at preventing malpractices also played a role.

A senior official said on condition of anonymity that earlier, lower-priced rice or paddy was often sourced from neighbouring states and adjusted in custom-milling rice (CMR) at MSP, allegedly through proxy procurement and fake gate passes. “This season, several steps have been taken at grain markets to check malpractices. Higher rates of paddy and rice in neighbouring states are also a reason,” he said.

Data from Haryana's grain markets shows significant variations in arrivals across districts. Kurukshetra and Kaithal have reported the highest arrivals, with Kurukshetra receiving 9,97,033.57 MT and Karnal 8,30,098.53 MT. However, in districts, such as Jhajjar and Sonepat, only 110.70 MT and 6,146.81 MT, respectively, was procured.

The experts have demanded a probe to determine the reasons behind the shortfall.

Paddy arrival

District        Arrival (MT)

Ambala          5,91,421.07

Faridabad       1,808.70

Fatehabad      6,86,742.41

Hisar                60,657.60

Jhajjar                  110.70

Jind                 1,99,495.48

Kaithal           8,14,923.59

Karnal            8,30,098.53

Kurukshetra   9,97,033.57

Palwal                 23,698.08

Panchkula            94,115.48

Panipat                23,698.08

Rohtak                    7,525.58

Sirsa                     2,82,103.61

Sonepat                     6,146.81

Yamunanagar       5,75,944.17