Ferozepur, October 16, 2018: Farmers of Punjab led by Krantikari Kissan Union Punjab are disappointed with the existing norms of paddy procurement and have demanded relaxation in moisture contests norm for paddy procurement for the current year.
Today, the farmers led by Rajinder Singh Molviwala, in good numbers demonstrated at procurement centre Molvi Wala where no official has visited even after the start of the official from October 1 for the purchase of dumped paddy. They said, due to late sowing instructions of the government, the paddy has gained higher moisture contents with the result no purchase is being made by the government agencies.
The farmers demanded that the existing moisture contents limit of 17 per cent be increased to 22 per cent and marketing of paddy should be ensured in all the mandis of the state. They also threatened with resorting to agitation by blocking the traffic on the highways in case their demand is not accepted.
Sharing the plight of the farmers, they said, the farmers' community is already facing the number of problems with the increase of fuel and inputs prices. They alleged that no agriculture equipment on subsidy has been made available for the farmers to dispose of the stubble and they are left with no alternative except to burn the crop residue.