The Chhattisgarh government has come under criticism from the opposition over alleged lapses in the ongoing paddy procurement process, with claims that procedural hurdles and registration delays are preventing farmers from selling their produce at government centres.
Opposition leaders have accused the state administration of deliberately slowing down the procurement drive, leaving thousands of farmers uncertain about when they will be able to sell their paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). They argue that the new digital registration process and verification requirements have caused confusion and delays at the village level.
In several districts, reports have surfaced of farmers struggling to complete online registrations due to technical glitches and inadequate assistance at cooperative societies. Many fear that if the process continues at the current pace, they may be forced to sell their produce to private traders at lower prices.
Responding to the allegations, government officials have denied any wrongdoing, stating that the procurement process is being carried out as per schedule. They added that additional help desks and awareness drives are being organized to assist farmers with registrations and documentation.
The Chhattisgarh Civil Supplies Corporation, which oversees paddy procurement, has said that the state aims to purchase record quantities of paddy this season and that all genuine farmers will be given fair opportunity to sell their produce.
However, the opposition maintains that the government’s claims are misleading, pointing to the rising frustration among farmers waiting for registration approval. “The system is making it harder for small and marginal farmers to participate,” said a local opposition spokesperson.
Paddy is the backbone of Chhattisgarh’s agrarian economy, and any delay in procurement directly impacts farmers’ livelihoods. With the procurement season underway, all eyes are now on how effectively the state government can resolve these procedural challenges and restore confidence among the farming community.
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