Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The slow pace of paddy procurement in Jharkhand triggered a heated discussion in the Assembly after MLA Arup Chatterjee raised concerns over the government’s progress in meeting its procurement target for the season.
Questions Raised Over Procurement Target
Chatterjee said the state government had set a target to procure 6 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, but so far only around 3 lakh metric tonnes had been purchased. He also pointed out that in several blocks Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are not functioning properly, raising doubts about how the government will achieve the procurement target.
Government Explains Delay In Procurement
Responding to the issue, Minister Irfan Ansari said the government may extend the procurement deadline beyond March 31 if required. He added that for the first time the state government is providing a one-time payment to farmers for paddy procurement.
The minister explained that shortages of manpower and warehouses located at different places have slowed down the procurement process.
Opposition Alleges Benefit To Middlemen
Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi criticised the government’s procurement schedule, saying setting the target until March could benefit middlemen. He suggested that the government should have planned to complete procurement by January.
Marandi also claimed that paddy procurement was higher in areas near the Bihar border.
Concerns Over PACS Utilisation And Weight Deduction
Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey informed the House that the state has 4,408 PACS and LAMPS units, but only around 700 to 800 are currently being used for paddy procurement. She said better mapping by the department could help increase the number of operational centres.
MLA Hemlal Murmu also raised concerns over a deduction of 10 kilograms per quintal during procurement, calling it unfair to farmers and urging the government to adopt a clear policy on the issue.
