The BJP on Saturday alleged that the State Government is deliberately not adopting a special paddy procurement policy in order to support unscrupulous millers. “Farmers have been staging movements every year as they are facing various problems, including paddy distress sale. The State Government is not interested to adopt a special paddy procurement policy in order to protect millers’ interest. Millers have nexus with Ministers and Officers in this regard,” alleged BJP senior leader Jaya Narayan Mishra.
He said the BJP has been demanding formulation a special paddy procurement policy since long after neighbouring Chhattisgarh succeeded in such a policy. “The State Government has stipulated that 18 quitnals of paddy per a acre of irrigated land and 11.25 quintals per a acre of non-irrigated land would be procured. Even if the farmers are producing more paddy than the stipulated quantities, they are unable to sell them,” he said.
Besides, he alleged that paddy is not being procured at market yards. As a result, farmers are being forced to sell their paddy at much lower prices than the minimum support price.