Punjab Farmers Protest Against Paddy Procurement Issues: A Closer Look
The recent surge in protests by farmers in Punjab highlights growing discontent over paddy procurement and transportation delays. Farmers, led by groups like the Punjab Chapter of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), BKU Ekta Ugrahan, and other local organizations, have taken to blocking roads, railways, and even toll plazas, demanding a more efficient and transparent procurement process.
This protest, which has become widespread and disruptive, stems from longstanding issues with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Punjab government’s management of paddy purchases. Key issues include:
Procurement Delays and Quality Standards:
Farmers face challenges with the FCI’s strict quality requirements for paddy, leading to potential rejections. Farmers recall similar tensions from 2000 when the FCI attempted to enforce a quality cut of Rs. 25 per quintal, resulting in a 72-hour rail blockade.
Logistics and Storage Issues:
The slower movement of grain from Punjab to other states has created bottlenecks in warehouses. Millers face difficulties in managing new arrivals due to space limitations and yield inconsistencies with hybrid varieties like PR 126, which produces less rice per quintal of paddy.
Moisture Content Restrictions:
The permissible moisture level for paddy is 17%, but farmers report challenges in meeting this standard due to weather conditions, leading to further rejections and financial losses.