Paddy lifting tardy as millers refuse to accept some varieties

Procurement pangs continue as millers across the state are refusing to accept the PR-126 variety besides some hybrid varieties of paddy, saying these have a “lower than specified” out-turn ratio (post-milling yield).

As a result, while the paddy arrival and purchase have increased, only 5 per cent of the procured produce has been lifted from the mandis so far. Till date, 2,15,873 metric tonne (MT) paddy has arrived in the mandis, of which 1,55,026 MT has been purchased and only 8,353 MT lifted.

Millers say the “lower than specified” out-turn ratio would force them to buy rice from the open market at their own cost, so that they can supply 67 per cent rice of the total paddy sent to them for milling.

The millers, who had pre-warned farmers not sow PR-126 and some hybrid varieties of paddy, say the out-turn ratio of these varieties was barely 62-64 per cent.

“We are not willing to incur losses on paddy milling and majority of the millers have decided to abstain from it,” said Bharat Bhushan Binta, president of the Punjab Rice Industry Association.

Information gathered by The Tribune shows that till date only 1,500 of the total 5,500 rice millers have entered into contracts with the government for milling paddy. They are demanding that the out-turn ratio of these varieties be reviewed and the specified limit lowered.

The CM has himself held discussions with rice millers and assured them of all help. Yesterday, when the Cabinet approved the custom milling policy, the government also acceded to the millers’ demand of doing away with bank guarantee for the paddy sent to them for milling.

Director, Food and Supplies, Puneet Goel said the government had agreed to get out-turn ratio assessed again. “We have sent letters to millers, saying the government has agreed in principle to their demands, and accordingly relaxations are being extended to them. We are hopeful of a positive outcome,” he said.

Purchase on in Abohar

Abohar: Sub Divisional Officer Krishan Pal Rajput officially initiated the process of paddy procurement at the Abohar grain market on Wednesday. He said the farmers should not face any problem in the market. He appealed to the farmers to bring only dry paddy. District Mandi Officer Sulodh Bishnoi and representatives of state agencies were also present there.

Mann tells DCs to visit mandis daily

Chandigarh: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday directed the deputy commissioners to undertake field visits for expediting the procurement and lifting of paddy.

During a virtual meeting with the deputy commissioners, he said the arrival of paddy had gained momentum and that farmers should not face any inconvenience in selling their produce. He said the DCs should personally ensure smooth and hassle-free procurement of grains. The state government was expected to procure 185 LMT paddy during the ongoing procurement season. Around 32 lakh hectare area was currently under paddy cultivation in the state, he added.

The CM asked the DCs to visit 7-8 mandis daily to take stock of the ground situation. He asked the officers to keep him updated on the progress of paddy procurement by submitting daily reports.

DC cautions against laxity

Malerkotla: Deputy Commissioner Dr Pallavi has cautioned officials of various procurement agencies against any laxity in paddy procurement. Arhtiyas, millers, labourers and civic authorities were also called upon to make extra efforts to expedite procurement and lifting of paddy so that farmers did not face problems in realising the value of their produce brought to the mandis.