KARNAL, Oct 2 — Despite a government directive requiring digital weighing machines for paddy procurement, manual scales still dominate grain markets in Karnal district, leaving farmers complaining of under-weighing and financial losses during the harvest season.
A survey of mandis in Karnal, Gharaunda, Indri, Kunjpura, Taraori, Nissing, Nigdhu and Assandh showed that digital machines remain scarce, even though the Haryana government banned mechanical weighing methods earlier this year. Farmers say they have staged repeated protests demanding strict enforcement.
“Some arhtiyas and rice millers are hand in glove, and to cheat the farmers they do not use digital weighing machines. We demand the government to take immediate action against such arhtiyas,” said Bhadur Singh Mehla, spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Sir Chhotu Ram).
Farmer leader Jagdeep Aulakh echoed the concerns, insisting that only digital systems could restore transparency. “We demand the implementation of the directions of the government. Only digital machines can save farmers from cheating,” he said.
Even some commission agents acknowledge malpractice. One agent, requesting anonymity, admitted, “With manual scales, some agents cheat the farmers. Digital machines would remove all doubts and ensure accountability.”
Arhtiyas, however, cite operational hurdles for the slow rollout. “Labourers are not trained to use these machines, and there are issues with battery backup. Some arhtiyas have already placed orders for digital scales, but installation is still pending,” said Rajnish Chaudhary, president of the Karnal Arhtiyas Association.
Authorities maintain that enforcement is non-negotiable. Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh has issued warnings to mandi secretaries and agents. “The use of mechanical scales will not be tolerated. Arhtiyas must install digital weighing machines immediately, or strict action will be taken as per the law,” he said, stressing that transparent weighing was essential to protect farmers’ rights.
Market committee secretary Asha Rani assured farmers that delays will soon be resolved. “After Dasehra, almost all arhtiyas will have digital machines,” she said.
For now, however, the slow adoption of computerized systems continues to frustrate farmers, who argue that only firm action can ensure fairness and restore confidence in the procurement process.
