Farmers Movement Archive

Farmers yet to be paid for procurred grains, arhityas say govt yet to transfer

KHANNA: Even though the procurement is well on its way, farmers in Ludhiana, who are already protesting against the recently passed farm laws, are dealt with another blow. Arhityas are yet to transfer the payment to farmers, as they are yet to get the same from procurement agencies. According to cash credit limit (CCL) system, the procurement agencies take credit from banks after government nod and then transfer the money to the account of arhityas who then pay the farmers. The government then pays the money to procurement agencies who repay the banks for the credit taken by them. The arhityas alleged that the Union government has transferred the CCL to the state government, who is yet to transfer the money to them. “Since we have not yet got the payment, we are unable to transfer the same to bank accounts of farmers from whom we have procured paddy. I am unable to go to my shop, as farmers approach for payment but I don’t have it,” said Yadwinder Singh Libra, secretary Punjab Arhityas Association and general secretary of Khanna Arhityas Association. “None of the arhityas in Khanna grain market have received payment, we feel bad that we are unable to pay farmers from whom we have procured grain on September 26 after procurement started. Farmers are also upset as they need payment for preparing for next crop and have to buy seeds, DAP (fertiliser), fuel for farm operations and have to pay their labour as well,” he added. Arhitya association leader said Khanna mandi, considered to be largest grain market of Asia, has around 300 arhityas who procure 20 to 25 lakh quintals paddy crop from nearly 30,000 farmers in the area. He added that they get 2.5% commission for procurement for their efforts, which include cleaning of grain as well. Manjot Singh, an arhitya at Khanna mandi said last year they had got the payment within a day or two after procurement started but it is late this year. “We are having a hard time as we are yet to get payment for our crop. We have to buy seeds, diesel, fertilisers for the next crop. We request the government to release payment soon,” said Surjeet Singh, a farmer. Meanwhile food and supplies minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu said Rs 900 crore has been transferred and the amount for procurement, which is around Rs 4,000-Rs 5,000 crore will be transferred in the next few days. Confusion prevails While some farmers, who have got their account details uploaded on government portal, were told they will get money directly in their accounts, president of Khanna mandi, Harbans Singh Rosha said all farmers will get payment through arhityas.

The Times of India

2020-10-13

Chandigarh