Farmers protesting delays in paddy procurement shut the gate of the grain market in Tohana on Sunday, alleging that shortages of gunny bags and inadequate procurement arrangements were forcing growers to wait for days or sell their produce below the minimum support price (MSP).
Farmers, including Rajesh Kumar, Harmel Singh, Jagjit Singh and Jarnail Singh, told the Times of India that they had been waiting for eight to nine days with their paddy stocks but had still been unable to sell the produce. They raised slogans against the state government during the protest.
The farmers alleged that even good-quality paddy was not being procured at the government-prescribed rate. They also said the shortage of gunny bags was adding to delays at the market and preventing the smooth movement and storage of harvested grain.
According to the protesting farmers, some growers were being compelled to sell their paddy at Rs 200-300 per quintal below the MSP because of the prolonged wait and the absence of adequate procurement arrangements. The claim was made in the context of their demand for transparent procurement of the entire marketable crop at the assured price.
The protest also raised concerns about the processes used inside the market. Farmers demanded transparency in weighing and payments, along with adequate availability of gunny bags. They also called for fair wages for labourers involved in procurement operations.
The reported disruption points to the importance of coordination between procurement agencies, market authorities, packaging suppliers and labour arrangements during the harvest period. A delay at any stage can leave farmers holding their crop for several days while waiting for weighing, bagging, purchase and payment processes to be completed.
The farmers said the delays were causing financial hardship, particularly because they had to remain at or near the market before they could dispose of their harvest. Their demands included removal of procurement bottlenecks and assurance that farmers would receive the prescribed price without unnecessary delays.
The protesters urged the authorities to ensure transparent procurement, maintain sufficient stocks of gunny bags and streamline weighing and payment procedures. The report did not include a response from the state government or procurement authorities to the allegations and demands.
