Procurement system flawed: BKU

Ludhiana, April 19

Alleging farmers are being harassed and exploited in mandis and at purchase centres, the BKU (Lakhowal) has criticised the system for procurement put in place by the government.

“Tall claims of the government and procurement agencies stand exposed as majority of farmers are facing problems due to severe shortage of empty gunny bags and delayed lifting in the mandis,” alleged Harinder Singh Lakhowal, general secretary, BKU.

He said farmers coming to mandis to sell their crop were feeling frustrated due to inadequate arrangements for storage, shortage of gunny bags and delayed lifting. “Wheat crop is piling up and grain is getting damaged due to inclement weather as no arrangements have been made for early lifting or safe storage of wheat arriving in mandis or purchase centres,” he said.

The BKU leader alleged all claims of timely payment to farmers for their produce also remained on paper as many were made to wait for several days. — OC