Punjab Government allows arhtiyas to buy moong for private traders

Ruchika M Khanna

Chandigarh, June 14

The Punjab Government has conceded to the demand of farmers and commission agents, allowing arhtiyas to buy moong for private traders that does not meet the quality specifications set by the state.

Till now, only cooperative societies under Markfed were allowed to purchase moong for the government and, in turn, the state procurement agency was getting a commission of just 0.5 per cent.

This, however, had led to resentment among farmers and commission agents as the majority of the produce not meeting the government criteria remained unsold.

The government has specified that it would purchase only five quintals of moong for an acre of land, with the maximum purchase from a farmer capped at 25 quintals.

Kanwaljit Singh, BKU (Dakaunda) leader in Jagraon, said: “Cooperative societies have rejected a large part of the moong produce. The BKU (Dakaunda) has announced an agitation on June 16.”

The commission agents, meanwhile, were upset for being barred from the government purchase and lack of clarity on their commission.

The commission agents in Punjab get 2.5 percent commission on moong purchase.

Ghanaiya Gupta Banka, president, Jagraon Arhtiya Association, said almost 10,000 bags of moong were lying in the Jagraon mandi, the biggest grain market for moong purchase in the state.

“Till the time the government does not give clear instructions on retaining our 2.5 per cent commission, we are not buying the produce even for private traders. Private traders will buy the crop at a price shade below the MSP (Rs 7,275 per quintal), as it does not fulfil the criteria and, therefore, not accepted by the government agency,” he said.

Punjab Mandi Board officials told The Tribune the purchase of all crops by private traders has to be in accordance with the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act, which specifies 2.5 per cent commission for arhtiyas.

They clarified arhtiyas would get the commission for moong.

A senior officer in Markfed said, “The state government is committed to buying moong crop at the MSP, provided it meets all quality parameters. The Centre has raised the quantity of crop to be bought from Punjab to 5,250 MT. This will further increase to 15,000 MT. The produce purchased by the state government will be later sold in the open market.”

Upset over 2.5% commission

Till the time the govt does not give instructions on retaining our 2.5% commission, we are not buying moong for pvt traders. — Ghanaiya Gupta, chief, Jagraon Arhtiya Association