The struggle for Telangana farmers to sell their paddy produce is worsening with each passing day. A fire has been raging at the paddy procurement centers for the past 20 days. Let alone the Congress party’s promise of Rs. 500 bonus for paddy, the farmers are even finding it difficult to sell their harvest at Minimum Support Price.
Farmers fear that untimely rains could dampen their harvest if procurement is delayed. Adding to their distress, reports reveal exploitation of staff at IKP purchase centers. Allegations include unjust deductions and biased weighing practices favoring millers.
Despite the government’s announcement of 7104 operational centers starting from April 1, records from the Civil Supply Department indicate purchases have commenced in only 2480 centers. Farmers face a myriad of challenges, including delayed supply of gunny bags in many centers. Furthermore, farmers lament discrepancies in weighing practices.