Chhattisgarh BJP state president Vikram Usendi said his party is organising a day-long sit-in-demonstration on November 15 at ‘mandal’ (division) level across the state, demanding procurement of paddy from that day itself.
Previous BJP government used to commence the procurement from November 15 every year, he said.
Addressing the media, jointly with Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik, he said the delay is causing loss to farmers as at ‘Mandi’ (Agriculture Produce Market) the paddy is being sold for Rs 1300 to Rs 1600 per quintal depending on the variety while the state promised a MSP of Rs 2500 per quintal. There will be a month’s delay if procurement starts from December 1 as planned by the state government, he added.
Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik said, “BJP does not have any objection over Chief Minister calling on Prime Minister, Union Agriculture and Food ministers. The issue of procurement should be resolved to benefit the farmers and procurement should be ensured from November 15.”
No assessment of loss due to lack of rains and excessive rain during harvest season in the state was done despite agriculture minister’s claim if conducting such assessment, he alleged.
It should have been done before the procurement begins so that loss to farmers can be ascertained, he said.