Paddy procurement has finally begun in Punjab and Haryana grain markets on Sunday. The farmers have breathed a heave sigh of relief as they can finally sell their crops. Keeping in line with the same, the farmers on Monday reached the markets with loaded tractor trolleys.
The Union government has also snatched a big issue from the opposition parties and farmers’ unions.
“The crop was attacked by pests. The government has allowed the procurement from today but farmers started bringing their crop to the markets from September 25. They were left in the lurch by the government. Now there is a sudden rush at this grain market,” 63-year-old Gurmail Singh, a resident of Chakohi village said. He has sown paddy on nearly 12 acres. He has sown a late-maturing variety and has decided to bring the crop on October 10. There are four members in his family.
“We faced some problems in the market. We have already harvested our crop. MSP should be guaranteed. We do not get full MSP despite government orders. Basmati prices are better this time, but last year we got only half. The input costs are higher and the MSP is meagre, which has been increased by only Rs 50 to Rs 60 per quintal,” says another farmer Avtar Singh Bhatti.
“Cleaning the paddy crop is hazardous as the grain dust leads to asthematic problems. We depend on the farmers who are not happy with the three new laws,” says a labourer, Maya.
