ARBITRARY PRACTICES OF PACS PUT FARMERS IN TROUBLE

ARBITRARY PRACTICES OF PACS PUT FARMERS IN TROUBLE

18-DEC-ENG 10

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR------------------------Farmers in the district are facing immense difficulties due to the lack of paddy procurement even after the harvest. The paddy has been harvested and brought to the threshing grounds, but the stalled government procurement process is fueling growing anger among farmers. Regarding this matter, Indal Singh, the head of Mungav Panchayat in Dumraon block, has raised his voice in support of the farmers' rights.

Mukhiya Indal Singh leveled serious allegations against the trade unions and PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies), stating that blatant irregularities are being committed in paddy procurement. He said that farmers have been visiting the PACS for several days, but neither is their paddy being purchased nor are they being given any clear answers. On one hand, the government is claiming to purchase paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), while on the other hand, the ground reality is completely different.

He said that even those farmers whose paddy is being purchased are facing illegal deductions. Attempts are being made to pay farmers lower prices by citing reasons such as moisture content or quality issues. This is financially crippling the farmers and pushing them further into debt.

Mukhiya Indal Singh demanded that the district administration immediately investigate the functioning of the PACS and trade unions. He also demanded that the purchase of farmers' paddy be ensured in a transparent manner at the Minimum Support Price. He warned that if the farmers' problems are not resolved soon, they will be forced to resort to agitation.

He also said that farmers are the backbone of the country and such treatment of them will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If farmers do not receive a fair price on time, it will directly impact the rural economy.