Photo Source: Babushhi Bureau/Representative Image
Barnala: Notice issued to firm for bringing paddy with 21 % moisture content in grain market
Combine harvesting machines not to operate between 6 pm to 10 am: Barnala DC
Babushahi Bureau
Barnala (Punjab), October 1, 2024: Acting on the orders of Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Singh Mann, in order to ensure smooth paddy procurement and to prevent farm fires during the forthcoming paddy harvesting season, the district administration Barnala took action against a firm.
Sharing the information Deputy Commissioner Barnala Mrs Punamdeep Kaur said that today paddy procurement had started.
Accordingly, at the main grain market Barnala a firm was found having paddy with moisture content as high as 21 percent. The government has allowed only 17 percent or lesser moisture content paddy to be brought for procurement.
She added that firm named Bachna Ram and Company had allowed farmer from Wajidke Kalan to bring in paddy yield that had moisture content of 21 percent.
By doing so, the firm has violated rules number 1, 2 and 4 of the license issue to him under Punjab Agriculture Produce Market Act 1961.
The firm has been directed to submit its reply within 24 hours. Any failure to give reply or give satisfactory will be dealt with strictly, she said.
Deputy Commissioner added that the district administration Barnala has strictly prohibited use of combine harvester machines from 6 pm to 10 am.
She said that usage of combine harvesting machines is strictly prohibited during this time period in order to ensure that famers do not end up having yield with high moisture content. If a farmer brings in his yield with high moisture content, he would not be allowed to enter the market.
Deputy Commissioner added that the rice shellers too have denied procuring paddy that has high moisture content.
Earlier during a meeting held with the combine harvester owners, DC directed that all machines should have super SMS fixtures attached to them.
She said that already village level committees and WhatsApp groups of around 30 - 40 people in each group have been activated in all villages. These groups are keeping an eye on the fields. If any combine machine is found working without a Super SMS, strict action will be taken against the erring owner.
Meanwhile , in order to prevent farm fires in the district, administration Barnala has also roped in people from various sections of society. The administration has devised method of monitoring fields since the time paddy was sown to ensure that as soon as the farmer harvests crop, he is put under close scanner.
SSP Barnala MSandeep Malik added that the grain markets in district will be provided with adequate security cover to ensure that procurement goes on smoothly. He directed all the police officials to check ensure that no farm fire happens in the district.
Senior civil and police officials, commission agents, combine machine operators, rice shellers and others were present in the meeting.