Jhajjar, Haryana, Oct 3– More than 40,000 quintals of bajra lying at the Jhajjar grain market remain unsold, leaving farmers anxious and angry as procurement agencies refuse to buy the stock citing excessive damage and discolouration.
“This is a double whammy for farmers. My 120 quintals of bajra have been lying unsold for a week. First, our crop got 50% damaged due to waterlogging, and now the agency is rejecting it on quality grounds,” said Pradeep, a farmer from Patauda village, urging the government to relax procurement norms in view of crop losses caused by natural calamities.
Ajit, a farmer from Machhrauli, echoed the sentiment. “Most of us are facing severe distress, first due to low yield, and now because our produce is lying unsold in the mandi. All eyes are on the government for relief.”
Adding to the farmers’ concerns, Arhtiya Association president Vinod Punia alleged that even fair-quality bajra was not being procured. “Forget discoloured stock, even good produce is being left out. Farmers are being forced to store unsold bajra at home as market yards have run out of space,” he said, demanding procurement of all produce.
Procurement agency officials, however, maintained that the grain was not meeting standards. “As per norms, the permissible limit for damage and discolouration is up to 6%. But current arrivals are showing between 10% and 28%. We are ready to procure produce that meets the norms,” said Ajay Beniwal, an agency official.
Market committee secretary Ram Niwas admitted that most of the stock arriving was discoloured. Deputy Commissioner S. Ravindra Patil directed agencies to ensure purchases are made strictly as per state guidelines and to resolve farmer grievances immediately.
