Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over alleged inadequate arrangements for paddy procurement, claiming that farmers’ crops were soaked in rain due to insufficient facilities at mandis across the state.
Jakhar said the Central Government had already provided funds for the procurement of paddy, but the Punjab Government had failed to make the necessary arrangements at grain markets. He alleged that farmers were facing difficulties because of poor management and claimed that illegal deductions were being made from farmers in the name of ‘kaat’ during the procurement process.
The BJP leader demanded accountability from the state government, alleging that farmers and commission agents, known as arhtiyas, were being forced to stage protests to highlight their grievances.
Paddy Left Exposed to Rain, Jakhar Alleges
According to Jakhar, rainfall during the previous night damaged the arrangements for protecting paddy stored at mandis, leaving farmers worried about their produce.
He alleged that the state government had failed to ensure adequate facilities to protect the harvested crop from adverse weather conditions. Jakhar also claimed that farmers and arhtiyas had been compelled to protest because their concerns were not receiving sufficient attention from the authorities.
The BJP leader questioned the government’s response to the situation, alleging that officials had not taken adequate steps to assess the difficulties faced by farmers at the procurement centres.
Proper storage, protective coverings and timely procurement arrangements are particularly important during the paddy marketing season, when farmers depend on grain markets to sell their produce.
Jakhar Criticises AAP Government Through Social Media Post
Jakhar shared a message on social media in which he questioned the Punjab Government’s preparedness for the procurement season.
He stated that the Central Government had provided the required funds for the purchase of paddy, while the responsibility for making arrangements at mandis rested with the state government.
Referring to the rainfall, Jakhar said the weather had not only soaked the farmers’ crops but had also affected their hopes and expectations.
He further criticised the state government’s handling of corruption-related matters, arguing that attention should also be directed towards the difficulties faced by farmers at grain markets.
His remarks came amid concerns over the protection of harvested paddy, procurement arrangements and the alleged deductions faced by farmers during the sale of their produce.
Allegations Over ‘Kaat’ During Paddy Procurement
Jakhar also alleged that farmers were facing financial losses due to deductions described as ‘kaat’ during the procurement process.
He accused the AAP government of allowing what he characterised as excessive and unfair deductions from farmers. However, the allegations have not been independently verified in the information available, and no response from the Punjab Government or the concerned procurement authorities was included in the supplied statement.
The issue of deductions, crop protection and timely procurement remains important for farmers seeking fair returns for their agricultural produce.
Punjab Paddy Procurement Arrangements Under Scrutiny
The controversy has brought attention to the responsibilities of state authorities in managing grain markets during the procurement season. Farmers rely on adequate infrastructure, protection from rain, transparent procurement procedures and timely resolution of complaints.
Jakhar’s criticism focuses on the Punjab Government’s preparedness and its response to farmers’ concerns. The extent of crop damage, the availability of facilities at individual mandis and the alleged deductions would require further verification to establish the full circumstances.
A response from the state government and relevant officials would help clarify the arrangements in place, the measures taken to protect the paddy and the steps being considered to address farmers’ grievances.
