Paddy from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh finds way to Karnal mill

Paddy from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh is being brought to local rice mills. Trucks loaded with paddy from these states have been frequently spotted on Meerut Road, transporting paddy to mills, which, as per sources, is bought at cheaper prices from these states and its rice may be returned to the government under custom-milled rice (CMR).

The district administration has also exposed the movement of paddy from both states. During an inspection, the administration detected paddy from Bihar in a rice mill, raising questions over compliance with CMR policy.

Under the policy, millers are allotted parmal varieties of paddy, which is procured at the MSP of Rs 2,300 and Rs 2,320 per quintal. They are required to return 67% of the processed rice to government agencies. However, the sources alleged that some millers were exploiting the system by procuring cheaper paddy from Bihar and UP, selling parmal rice in the open market at higher prices, and substituting it with processed rice from lower-quality paddy.

During a surprise check at Mohdinpur, a team led by Saurabh Choudhary, District Marketing Enforcement Officer (DMEO), and naib tehsildar, found two trucks of parmal paddy from Bihar inside a mill. After investigation, the team found an additional stock of nearly 3,000 quintals of paddy from Bihar stored inside the mill. The mill owner failed to produce the necessary documentation for the stock, and CCTV cameras at the facility were found to be non-functional. Additionally, there was no tagging on the paddy bags, a violation of CMR policy requirements, said an official.

The mill owner had paid the market fee and Haryana Rural Development Fund for two trucks but could not provide any documents for the remaining stock lying there. “I have submitted my report to the Chief Administrator, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB), Deputy Commissioner Karnal, and Additional Deputy Commissioner regarding the findings. Further action will be initiated by them," said Choudhary.

The team also spotted a truck loaded with paddy from Bihar on the road, and after being questioned, the driver informed the team that he had brought the paddy from Bihar and was going to a mill at Kutail. The secretary of the Gharaunda market committee has been directed to inspect the mill’s record and stock.