UP farmers sought to sell non-basmati varieties of rice
About 50 farmers in Uttar Pradesh were barred from entering the neighboring Karnal district of Haryana on Monday to sell their rice crop to government-run mandis (wholesale markets), despite controversial farm bills – which promise barrier-free trade in farmers’ markets and prices. choice – having been enacted Sunday evening.
Karnal deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav issued orders on Saturday to prevent farmers from crossing the state border to sell non-basmati varieties of rice – which the Haryana government buys from an MSP (price support minimum), but not the UP government.
The district administration has reportedly sought to ensure that the same crop grown by local farmers is preferred – which has not happened in previous seasons.
Haryana’s government, however, has said that farmers looking to sell non-basmati varieties of rice will be allowed, but only after registering on a state-run portal and waiting their turn.
“There is no law preventing farmers from other states from selling their produce in Haryana. However, we have a portal where the farmers upload their details, so it is easier for us to buy from them. Due to Covid, the purchases have been staggered. the farmer receives an SMS on his date of arrival at the market, ”said PK Das, additional chief secretary (food and civilian supply).
“We have asked these farmers to register on this portal. Once they do, they will also receive a similar text and then, on the scheduled date, they can come with their products,” he said. added.
Farmers and agricultural experts, however, say this is only an excuse by the state government to favor local farmers – which goes against the principle of agricultural laws hailed as “historic. “by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling BJP.
The issue of PSM, or the minimum price at which the government buys food grains, is at the heart of many protests against the farm law, with some farmers arguing that the price – which is a guarantee of return on their hard work – has been abolished. by the center and that they will now be left in the hands of powerful companies who will insist on paying lower rates.
For several days there have been violent protests across the country against agricultural laws; this morning, a tractor was set on fire near the iconic India Gate in Delhi. In other parts of the country, farmers blocked highways, sat on railroad tracks and staged loud protest marches.
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi – whose party has spoken out on this issue – today called on chief ministers of party-led states to consider introducing laws to overturn those passed by the center.
