Amritsar, Sep. 29 : Farmers in Punjab are complaining that the State government has not yet started the procurement of paddy and they are forced to sell the grain in local grain markets at lower rates.

Punjab farmers have been able to get a good yield in spite of the drought-like conditions prevailing in many parts of the country.

According to sources, Punjab is likely to produce about 14 million tonnes of paddy for the central pool during this season, which would be higher than the last year’s produce.

The farmers , particularly from the of the border areas, have started bringing their stocks into grain markets. They want to sell off their crop at the earliest as it costs them money to keep their produce in the markets. The Government agencies, according to indications , are not likely to start procurement before the first week of October.

“The private agencies are offering around Rs. 800 –950 per quintal whereas the government agencies would offer a minimum support price of Rs. 980 per quintal to us for better quality paddy,” said Sarwan Singh, a farmer of Sohiyan Kala.

This season, due to a delayed monsoon, the farmers of the area had to incur extra cost to irrigate their fields , as cost of diesel for generators and sprinkling more pesticides to save their crop.

“We were burdened by the cost of diesel and other inputs to save our crop. It would be fair to accommodate us for the cost occurred to save the crop,” said Sarwan, a border farmer.

Farmers have demanded that the Punjab government should start procurement early .

Kulwinder Singh, another farmer from Bhohru Village, said: “The Government should start buying 15 days ahead of their earlier decision. It would help us to make preparations for cultivating the peas crop after harvesting paddy, and selling it.”

Inder Singh Sandhu, former President of the grain brokers association, said: “It would be too late if the Government agencies do not start procurement. Farmers have already started bringing their produce to the market expecting a good price.”

In Punjab, usually, over 90 percent of the paddy is procured by six government agencies, including five of the Punjab Government. Private millers procure the remaining paddy. (ANI)