Early Procurement Halt Sparks Farmer Anger in Punjab
The Food and Civil Supplies Department in Punjab has unexpectedly halted paddy procurement across several mandis, claiming district-wise purchase targets have been met. This early cessation has left numerous farmers with unsold stock, forcing them into distress sales at prices significantly below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Farmers across multiple districts are blaming government authorities for failing to control the inflow of paddy from neighboring states like Haryana and Rajasthan. They argue that this external supply has artificially inflated procurement numbers, leading to premature closure of purchasing centers while genuine Punjab growers continue to suffer.
District-wise Procurement Data Reveals Surprising Trends
Procurement data from Fazilka district presents a puzzling scenario. Despite widespread crop damage due to unseasonal rains and floods, the district recorded 57,919 metric tons of paddy procurement this year compared to 47,725 metric tons last year. Similarly, Jalalabad mandis saw purchases increase to 63,477 MT from 52,199 MT in the previous year.
Arniwala mandis also experienced growth with 16,350 MT procured against 15,662 MT last year. Only Abohar witnessed a decline, dropping to 93,445 MT from 98,180 MT in 2024. This unexpected surge in arrivals prompted authorities to stop procurement in Fazilka as early as November 9.
Farmers Forced into Distress Sales
The procurement halt has had severe consequences for farmers still holding stocks. Sukhjinder Singh Rajan, a farmer from Abohar and BKU Rajewal leader, revealed that many were compelled to sell their paddy in private markets at rates between Rs 1,800–1,900 per quintal, substantially below the MSP of over Rs 2,300.
In Bathinda district, where procurement stopped on November 14, farmers resorted to protests. Amandeep Singh from Dyalpura Bhaika village reported that over 10,000 bags remained unsold across 10-15 mandis. "They should have checked paddy coming from Haryana and Rajasthan instead of targeting local farmers," he asserted.
Government Response and Farmer Organizations React
Food and Civil Supplies Director Varinder Kumar Sharma defended the government's actions, stating that all genuine purchases were being ensured. He explained that a new Standard Operating Procedure requires purchases to be made only in the presence of an SDM or executive magistrate, accompanied by photographs for verification.
However, BKU Dakaunda president Buta Singh Burjgill accused the government of halting procurement prematurely. "It should continue for at least another 15 days because unseasonal rain delayed the crop," he demanded. He alleged widespread corruption enabling paddy from other states to enter Punjab mandis.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) called an emergency meeting on Monday to address the growing crisis. SKM leaders issued a stern warning that Punjab's farmers must not be harassed under the pretext of checking illegal inflow, threatening "an intense agitation" if every grain produced by local farmers isn't purchased.
