Farmers set paddy produce on fire to express anger against delay in procurement

Farmers at Laggama village in Dahegaon mandal burnt paddy bags to protest delays in the procurement process and deductions allegedly imposed by officials. Police later doused the flames, while authorities assured farmers that procurement would be expedited and transportation arranged

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Farmers burnt paddy bags to express anger over delays in the procurement process at Laggama village in Dahegaon mandal on Wednesday.

Agitating farmers regretted that paddy was not being procured even after several months at the centres. They said they were struggling to protect the paddy bags from unseasonal rains and gales. They lamented that no official was coming to their rescue even as they were facing inconvenience.

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The farmers said they were forced to shift the procured paddy to mills on their own due to a lack of transportation facilities. They stated that officials were imposing deductions citing poor quality of paddy, causing losses. They set the paddy bags on fire to protest against the government’s stance.

On receiving information, police rushed to the spot and doused the flames. The officials assured that steps would be taken to expedite the procurement process, pacifying the farmers. They promised not to impose deductions while purchasing the grain. Vehicles would be arranged for transportation of the produce from centres to mills.