Punjab: Paddy lifting slow, mill owners refuse to take some varieties

Punjab: Procurement problems continue as millers across the state are refusing to accept paddy of some hybrid varieties other than PR-126 variety. They say their yield ratio (yield after milling) is “less than specified”. As a result, though paddy arrivals and procurement have increased, only 5 per cent of the produce procured from the mandis has been lifted so far. So far, 2,15,873 metric tonnes (MT) of paddy has arrived in the mandis, out of which 1,55,026 MT has been procured and only 8,353 MT has been lifted. Millers say that due to the “less than specified” yield ratio, they will have to buy rice from the open market at their own cost so that they can supply 67 per cent of the total paddy sent for milling. Mill owners had already warned farmers not to sow PR-126 and some hybrid varieties of paddy, but they say the production ratio of these varieties is barely 62-64 per cent. “We do not want to incur losses on paddy milling and most mill owners have decided to stay away from it,” said Bharat Bhushan Binta, president of the Punjab Rice Industry Association. Information gathered by The Tribune shows that so far, out of a total of 5,500 rice mill owners, only 1,500 have signed contracts with the government for milling paddy. They are demanding that the production ratio of these varieties be reviewed and the specified limit be reduced. The chief minister himself has held discussions with rice mill owners and assured them of all possible help.
When the Cabinet approved the custom milling policy yesterday, the government also accepted the mill owners’ demand to do away with bank guarantees for paddy sent for milling. Director Food and Supplies Puneet Goyal said the government has agreed to get the production ratio reassessed. “We have sent letters to the mill owners saying the government has agreed in principle to their demands and accordingly relaxations are being given to them. We are hopeful of a positive outcome,” he said. Procurement continues in Abohar Abohar: Sub-divisional officer Krishan Pal Rajput on Wednesday formally launched the paddy procurement process at Abohar grain market. He said farmers should not face any inconvenience in the mandi. He appealed to farmers to bring only dry paddy. District Mandi Officer Sulodh Bishnoi and representatives of state agencies were also present there. Mann asked DCs to visit mandis daily Chandigarh: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday directed deputy commissioners to conduct field visits to expedite paddy procurement and lifting. During a virtual meeting with deputy commissioners, he said the arrival of paddy has picked up pace and farmers should not face any inconvenience in selling their produce. He said that the DCs should personally ensure smooth and hassle-free procurement of the grain. The state government expects to procure 185 LMT paddy during the current procurement season. He said that paddy cultivation is currently taking place in about 32 lakh hectare area in the state. The Chief Minister asked the DCs to visit 7-8 mandis daily to take stock of the ground situation. He asked the officers to keep him informed about the progress of paddy procurement by giving daily reports.

DC warns against laxity

Malerkotla: Deputy Commissioner Dr Pallavi warned the officers of various procurement agencies against any kind of laxity in paddy procurement. Arhtiyas, mill owners, labourers and municipal corporation officials were also asked to make extra efforts to expedite the procurement and lifting of paddy so that farmers do not face any problem in getting the price of their produce brought to the mandis.