Dear Chief Minister,
Recently your government declared to procure 30 lakh metric tonnes of rice in the 2016-17 Kharif season beginning from November 1. And the farmers would get Rs 1,470 per quintal for common variety of paddy, as per the minimum support price fixed by the Centre. The rate of Grade-A variety of paddy is fixed at Rs 1,510 per quintal.
But, the question arises; will this move solve the problems of the farmers? It is a big NO. I understand, the cabinet met for the poll bound state eying the panchayat election in February next year. If you are really honest and interested in the development and welfare of the state then you need a huge reform to address the issues particularly of the paddy farmers. Do you have?
First of all, your government needs to have courage and intentions to take the reformative steps. The government should try to clad itself with the attire of the farmer once to realize his problems. A farmer engaged himself in his field since June/July to December to harvest the paddy crop. If we will calculate approximately, how much a farmer is investing in his field and what he is getting in terms, then the remnant is nothing but absolute loss. Still a farmer cultivate paddy without bothering whether he will face drought or cyclone.
Now, the government has declared Rs 1,470 per quintal. Does exactly he get the same amount of money per quintal of paddy? NO. Why? The Odisha government, its minister, and the whole government machinery works against the farmer in such a way that, it is really a horrible situation!
The government declares a date to open Mandi, for example this year it is November 1st. But the farmer will not found Mandi on the fixed date. Farmer’s paddy will be lying on the harvesting ground under the open sky. He would fear of rain. He would be trying to sell it as soon as possible to the Mandi. He would be willing to have the money as early as possible to dispose off his loans and liabilities.
But knowingly there will be delay. Delay of one week to 10 days. Again there are many paper works and formalities which create opportunity for the officers for corruption. Name registration, P Pass, etc. These formalities are hurdles for the farmer to sell his paddy.
Now in desperate situation the farmer sells his paddy to the local middleman/businessman/or people of miller in very cheap rate in between Rs 700 to 800 per quintal. The purchasing officer of the Mandi, the Cooperative Society, miller, and minister of the concern departments all are collectively in a conspiracy against the farmers. They are just showcasing in newspapers and media. But in real sense a huge gap is there in implementation and declaration.
If the government has honest intention for the paddy farmers then I just have some suggestions:
- Abolish all these critical machinery to procure paddy
- Abolish interference of the miller
- Start single window system
- Farmer should be paid for his paddy instantly by cash/cheque
- Farmer should not be asked to collect his payment from the miller
- No need of Mandi. Panchayt can purchase/procure paddy
- Panchayat employees can be given extra responsibilities of procuring paddy
- Paddy procurement should go on throughout the year.
- Panchayat godown can be used as the temporary storage house for paddy
This suggestive system will benefit the farmer as well as to the government. A farmer carry and travel the block headquarter to sell his paddy, which may range from 15/20 K. M. from his village. But the Panchayat headquarter can be located within 2/3 kilometre. It is easy and convenient.
Hoping for implementation.
Sincerely yours,
A drought-hit farmer