"AAP govt doing politics on paddy procurement to put farmers in trouble": BJP leader Tarun Chugh
Oct 30, 2024
New Delhi [India], October 30 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Wednesday strongly criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab for politicising the issue of paddy procurement in the state.
He remarked that the ineffective paddy procurement process has starkly revealed the administrative inefficiency of the Bhagwant Mann-led government in supporting farmers, accusing the state government of shifting blame to the Centre as a tactic to mislead the people of Punjab.
Chugh noted that the Centre has allocated over Rs 41,000 crore to the Mann government for paddy procurement, yet the state's administrative machinery has collapsed, creating an artificial crisis that has left farmers in a difficult position.
The Modi government has consistently supported farmers, not only by increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) but also by ensuring doorstep access to essential supplies like fertilisers. "The AAP government in Punjab, however, has mishandled the situation, placing the farming community in crisis in a state that serves as the country's food bowl," Chugh added.
In recent weeks, Punjab farmers have faced mounting anxiety over difficulties in selling their paddy produce at government wholesale markets (mandis), prompting protests at around 60 locations across the state.
Bhagwant Mann previously stated that the state government had addressed nearly all demands raised by rice millers.
"We have fulfilled nearly all demands from the millers. Punjab is the leading contributor to the central pool... We stand by our farmers and millers. Procurement is proceeding smoothly," Mann asserted.
"This season is not just a season; it is a festival for us. Punjab's economy depends on it. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments are being transferred to farmers' accounts. Punjab and Haryana lead in wheat production, and any delay in paddy procurement will impact wheat planting. We urge the Central government to assist farmers in ensuring swift procurement, allowing the mandis to operate freely," he added.
CM Bhagwant Mann also requested that the Centre raise the procurement rate for dry harvest from 0.5% to 1%.
Speaking to the media, Mann remarked, "The harvesting season in Punjab has started, marking a festive period as the state's economy relies heavily on it. Punjab consistently contributes the largest share to the nation's food stock. This season, we plan to supply 180 lakh metric tonnes to the Centre. However, we are concerned about potential delays similar to last year."
