Speed up paddy purchase or face stir, says Dallewal

Amid growing concerns over slow procurement of paddy, farmers protesting at the Shambhu border have sought immediate intervention of the Central and state governments.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, head of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political), which is leading the protest against the Centre, asked arhtiyas (commission agents) and sheller owners to resolve their issues, while warning that if the procurement process did not speed up, farmers would have no choice but to hit the streets and protest.

He said farmers were facing losses due to the tardy procurement as their standing crop was exposed to inclement weather. Recent squall had flattened crops on thousands of acres. “Many farmers who have already harvested their crops are awaiting its procurement in mandis (grain markets),” Dallewal said, stressing the need for a swift resolution.

The issues between arhtiyas and sheller owners are reportedly among the primary reasons for the delay in procurement. “We understand that arhtiyas had grievances, but they should have taken these up with the government during the paddy sowing season. Boycotting the procurement process and going on strike now makes no sense. In all this confusion, it is only the farmers who are suffering,” said Dallewal. The farmer leader urged the state to ask the Centre to expedite lifting of the previous year’s stock lying at shellers.