Congress Leaders Condemn Haryana Government Over Worsening Farmer Crisis
Congress leaders have launched a sharp critique against the Haryana government, highlighting severe distress among farmers and demanding urgent corrective measures. Sirsa MP and AICC general secretary Kumari Selja expressed deep concern on Sunday over the deteriorating condition of farmers in the state.
Systemic Failures in Agricultural Support
Selja pointed out that despite producing crops, farmers are struggling with transportation to mandis and face delayed payments. "April is a crucial period for farmers, yet they are being forced to protest on roads instead of working in fields," said the former Union minister. She termed this situation a direct reflection of anti-farmer policies implemented by the current administration.
The Congress leader alleged that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement system has been made unnecessarily complicated, causing significant financial and mental stress to farmers. Technical glitches in the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal are creating substantial hurdles, particularly for small and tenant farmers.
Operational Challenges in Procurement Process
Selja detailed specific issues plaguing the procurement system:
- Requirements such as uploading tractor-trolley photographs
- Biometric verification complexities
- Excessive documentation demands
- Shortage of gunny bags in mandis
- Delays in lifting procured grains
These problems have led to stockpiling while procurement continues at an unacceptably slow pace. The promise of payment within 72 hours remains largely unfulfilled, worsening the financial strain on farming communities across Haryana.
Ground Reality at Samalkha Grain Market
In a related development, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Rao Narender Singh visited the grain market at Samalkha on Sunday to assess conditions firsthand. Farmers highlighted multiple operational failures during his visit:
- Critical shortage of gunny bags
- Grain lying exposed in open areas
- Irregular and unreliable weighing machines
- Chaotic loading and unloading processes
"Farmers bring the produce of their hard labour to the mandi, but they are not being provided proper facilities. This misery is beyond tolerance," stated Rao Narender Singh, emphasizing the systemic neglect facing agricultural workers.
Call for Immediate Government Action
Both Congress leaders have called for immediate government intervention to address these pressing issues. They argue that the combination of portal malfunctions, procedural bottlenecks, and infrastructure deficiencies has created an unsustainable situation for Haryana's farming community.
The criticism comes during what should be a productive agricultural season, with leaders warning that continued neglect could have severe consequences for food security and rural livelihoods in the state.
