Punjab Paddy Procurement Crisis: Majithia Blames AAP, Mann Seeks Central Help

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram S Majithia accuses the Aam Aadmi Party's Punjab government of failing to procure paddy at MSP, risking farmer distress. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urges the central government to aid procurement. The impasse affects Punjab's economy as harvest season unfolds.

Shiromani Akali Dal's Bikram S Majithia has launched a scathing critique of the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, alleging that farmers are not receiving the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their paddy crops. Majithia warns this failure could exacerbate financial hardship for farmers, potentially leading to suicides.

Majithia announced plans to approach the Punjab Governor over alleged exploitation by the AAP-led administration. He insists that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab's Food and Civil Supplies Minister be held accountable. The SAD leader argues that inadequate procurement arrangements jeopardize both agriculture and the state's economy.

Countering the claims, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has called on the central government for intervention to streamline paddy procurement processes. Mann reported discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aiming to resolve issues hampering rice millers and ensuring smooth millet production. Mann assured fulfillment of millers' demands and central cooperation.

In a Delhi meeting chaired by Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi, the focus was on Punjab's looming paddy procurement challenges. Mann noted that Punjab, which significantly contributes to national food stocks, aims to sell 180 lakh metric tonnes to the center this harvest. He emphasized the creation of milling infrastructure by November 15.

(With inputs from agencies.)