Subhash Rajta
Tribune News Service
Shimla, December 19
The first-ever paddy procurement drive in Himachal Pradesh could not achieve even half of its target. Against the estimated purchase of 56,000 metric tonne (MT) of grain, only 27,628 MT could be procured.
Limited capacity, tough norms
- Limited capacity at procurement centres
- High rejections amid stringent FCI norms
- Moisture content in grain on higher side
- Paddy made way to Punjab, Hry markets
“Since it was the first such exercise, it is possible that the state agencies got their estimate wrong,” said an official of the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
The Department of Agriculture doesn’t agree. “It’s certainly not a case of overestimation. In fact, we had kept it on the lower side. Given the area under paddy cultivation, the produce could be up to 75,000 MT,” said DR Thakur, Joint Director. But how does one explain the huge gap between the target and actual procurement? “Our procurement centres had limited capacity. Since it was the first time, we were creating facilities while the process was still on,” said Thakur.
“Also, the grain had moisture content and the temperature too was on the higher side. There was fear among farmers that the grain might get spoiled. Instead of waiting, they probably sold their produce in other markets,” he said.
Another reason for low procurement, according to an official involved in the drive, was stringent norms of the FCI. “The number of rejections was quite high. Farmers sold their produce in Punjab and Haryana with the help of commission agents,” the official said.
Despite low procurement, most departments involved in the process feel that the purchase would be higher next
time. “We have gained experience and will be better prepared next year,” said Thakur.
