Former chief minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday visited the grain market in Gohana. He spoke with farmers, commission agents, and workers to understand their problems.
Speaking to reporters, Hooda said he was regularly visiting markets across the state. Farmers in several markets, including Gohana, had made similar complaints.
“Farmers reported being openly looted in the markets. They are forced to sell their produce at rates lower than the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and there are significant irregularities in paddy procurement. Their difficulties are compounded by the difficulty of obtaining gate passes and lack of storage space at the market. Government agencies are refusing to purchase paddy, citing moisture or black grains, resulting in farmers receiving up to ₹500 per quintal less than the MSP,” he stated.
Hooda said that this year's heavy rains, floods, and waterlogging have caused significant damage to farmers' crops. “In many places, crops have been completely destroyed, and the remaining yield is very low. To add insult to injury, the government is not even paying the full price for the remaining crop,” he said.
He demanded that the government provide a discount for 22–24 per cent moisture in paddy procurement, offer relief for black grains, and announce a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal.
Hooda stated that the BJP had promised a price of Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy before the assembly elections, but now farmers are not even receiving the MSP. “The complexities of the 'Meri Fasal Mera Byora' portal, registration, and gate passes have troubled farmers. Delays in harvesting and delayed payments are further exacerbating their difficulties. The government should take immediate steps to address these problems,” he demanded.
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