Jharkhand Paddy Procurement Controversy: Leaders Clash

Babulal Marandi accused the Jharkhand government of failing to buy paddy from farmers, forcing them to sell to middlemen at low prices. The government set a procurement target of 60 lakh quintals, but has only acquired 19.80 lakh quintals so far, with allegations of mismanagement at procurement centers.

In the Jharkhand Assembly, Opposition Leader Babulal Marandi raised serious allegations against the JMM-led state government concerning its paddy procurement practices. Marandi claimed the administration has significantly lagged behind its goal to purchase 60-lakh quintals of paddy and accused it of incentivizing sales to middlemen.

According to Marandi, out of the 2.79 lakh registered farmers, merely 35,547 have sold their crop directly to the government. He criticized the authorities for inadequate planning, resulting in space constraints at procurement centers, which has negatively impacted farmers.

Responding to these accusations, Jharkhand Congress's media in-charge Rakesh Sinha dismissed Marandi's claims as unfounded. Sinha stated that the procurement process was operating smoothly and accused the BJP of spreading rumours to disturb farmers.

(With inputs from agencies.)