Opposition Leader Partap Singh Bajwa Blames Punjab Rice Procurement Crisis, Demands Compensation for Rice Millers
Chandigarh, October 21, 2024: Blaming the Punjab government for “mismanagement” amid the ongoing rice procurement crisis, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa on Sunday called for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to immediately compensate the state’s rice millers, who are facing an estimated ₹6,000-crore loss. Bajwa strongly criticized CM Mann’s handling of the situation, particularly the proposed solution for paddy milling, which he referred to as “Plan B” or “Plan Bluff.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, Bajwa accused the chief minister of trying to “mislead” the public by presenting a flawed plan that risks further aggravating the situation. According to Bajwa, CM Mann proposed transporting Punjab’s paddy to distant states such as West Bengal and Kerala for milling. The Opposition leader argued that this plan was “absurd” and infeasible from both logistical and financial perspectives, adding that it would significantly increase transportation costs and delay the milling process.
Bajwa claimed that the chief minister’s approach is an attempt to intimidate rice millers and shift blame away from the state government’s own shortcomings. He stated that the proposed “Plan B” could potentially drive a wedge between farmers and rice millers, both of whom are already struggling due to the crisis.
The Opposition leader also pointed to the introduction of the hybrid PR-126 paddy variety as a contributing factor to the crisis. According to Bajwa, the hybrid paddy yields only 62 kilograms of rice per quintal, compared to traditional varieties that produce around 67 kilograms per quintal. He alleged that CM Mann promoted the hybrid PR-126 variety without conducting thorough yield testing, which has resulted in lower output and increased financial pressure on rice millers.
“The state government’s failure to ensure proper testing and validation of the PR-126 paddy variety has directly contributed to the current crisis. Farmers and millers are bearing the brunt of this misguided decision,” Bajwa said.
Bajwa demanded that the Punjab government immediately compensate rice millers for the losses incurred due to the reduced yield and additional expenses arising from the ongoing procurement issues. He emphasized that a prompt response is necessary to prevent further economic hardship for the stakeholders involved.
He also urged CM Mann to engage in a transparent dialogue with both farmers and rice millers to address their concerns and work towards a viable solution. “The state government must take accountability for the current situation instead of implementing half-baked solutions that create more problems than they solve,” Bajwa added.
Growing Tensions in Punjab’s Agricultural Sector
The rice procurement crisis has exacerbated tensions in Punjab’s agricultural sector, with farmers and millers expressing frustration over delayed payments and inadequate support. Bajwa’s criticism of the government’s handling of the crisis reflects growing discontent among stakeholders who feel that their concerns are not being adequately addressed.
Rice millers have also voiced concerns over the increased transportation costs associated with moving paddy to other states for milling, calling the proposal impractical. The Opposition has urged the government to seek local solutions and provide compensation to those affected by the hybrid paddy’s lower yield.
As the crisis unfolds, stakeholders in Punjab’s rice industry are awaiting a concrete and feasible solution from the state government. Bajwa’s remarks have further highlighted the need for urgent action to mitigate the impact on rice millers and ensure that the procurement process is carried out smoothly.
CM Bhagwant Mann’s administration has yet to respond to the specific allegations made by Bajwa, but the pressure is mounting for the state government to address the concerns and provide relief to those affected by the ongoing rice procurement crisis.
This news coverage provides a detailed account of the criticisms raised by Partap Singh Bajwa against the Punjab government’s handling of the rice procurement crisis, with a focus on the economic implications for rice millers and the controversial “Plan B” milling proposal.
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