CPM demands probe into paddy purchase irregularities

Eluru: The CPM stated that the farming community suffered a loss of Rs 400 crore due to irregularities in purchase of paddy and demanded that the government conduct a probe into the purchases. Addressing the media here on Thursday, the party district upland unit secretary Ch Baburao alleged that though the officials claimed opening of 285 paddy purchase centres in the district, in many centres no purchases took place.

The farmers had cultivated paddy in 4.5 lakh acres in the district. An estimated 16 lakh metric tonnes of paddy was produced. In spite of harvest commencing one month ago, the officials announced opening of paddy purchase centres for only a few days, he said. The CPM leader said that the government announced price of Rs 1327.50 per 75 kgs of Grade A variety of paddy and Rs 1312.50 per common variety.

However, as the officials failed to open and maintain the purchase centres efficiently, the farmers had sold their produce to millers and middlemen at comparatively lower prices. The commission agents purchased paddy by paying Rs 1050 to Rs 1100 per 75 kgs.

The paddy purchased by millers and commission agents is being shown as paddy purchased directly from the farmers by the paddy purchase centres. The officials have failed to check this crime as irregularities took place in almost all purchase centres. The farmers, this way, lost Rs 400 crore. The issue needs to be probed thoroughly, he demanded.

The CPM leader announced that highlighting these issues, the farmers would hold protest demonstrations in front of paddy purchase centres on May 3 and May 4 and at the Collectorate on May 6.