Punjab govt refuses to touch common variety of paddy

The trend of staying away from procurement of the common variety began last year when state agencies did enter the market, but half heartedly. This year, its purchase has touched rock bottom, though Markfed claims it is buying stock.

“If case the government does not wish to procure this variety, it should clarify its stand before the sowing season begins,” said Gurdit, a farmer from Balhar who brought his produce to the Khanna market. He wanted to know why the government had announced the Minimum Support Price when it had decided not to intervene and procure paddy from farmers.

Though the paddy belt that feeds the Khanna grain market does not produce the common variety in large quantities, the problem is acute in Amritsar district. Even the grain market in Jalandhar has been hit. Even private parties have not responded enthusiastically.

Market sources claim that the common variety is often used by traders as an additive to the rice produced from Grade A variety. However, with the Food Corporation of India acting tough regarding the quality of paddy and the state government stating that the quality of rice from Punjab is to be the prime focus, the common variety is finding no takers.

“The common variety can find buyers if the government starts special trains for transporting it to other states,” said commission agent Balbir Kumar.