Amidst, protests in Punjab and Haryana over the delay in paddy procurement, the Government said on Saturday that procurement will begin in both states from 3rd October.
According to Ashwini Kumar Choubey, MoS, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in Delhi, procurement (of Kharif crops) would begin from October 3rd in Haryana and Punjab.
"The Central Government had postponed the commencement of paddy and millet procurement from October 1 to October 11 this year due to a monsoon delay. There is pressure to get started as soon as possible. October 3rd is the first day of the procurement process ", Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar remarked after meeting Choubey. Soon after the statement by the Centre, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha declared the end of their demonstrations calling for an early start to the procurement of Kharif crops.
After paddy procurement was delayed earlier in the day, demonstrators burst over barricades and gathered outside Khattar's Karnal home. Outside Khattar's home, police fired water cannons against farmers.
The central government stated on Friday that paddy procurement under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme will begin on October 11 in Punjab and Haryana, adding that all agencies should prepare to assist farmers.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, extensive rains occurred in Punjab and Haryana during the second fortnight of September, affecting the standing paddy crop in both agricultural states.
During the second week of September, widespread rainfall was observed in Punjab and Haryana, and late showers harmed the standing rice crop in both agricultural states, the ministry commented.
"Due to the rain, the maximum temperature has also been reported below normal in most areas. Paddy crop maturity is being delayed as a result of the unexpected rainfall. According to data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall in Punjab and Haryana was 77 percent and 139 percent above average in September, respectively "read the ministry's press statement.
"According to FCI's regional offices in Punjab and Haryana, paddy samples had moisture ranging from 18 to 22 percent in Punjab and 18.2 percent to 22.7 percent in Haryana, compared to the allowed limit of 17 percent," it stated.
