MPs concerned over non-procurement of paddy

The issue raised by Jagdambika Pal (Cong) generated much heat with SP, RJD and BJP members supporting his contention and SP and RJD members even storming the Well seeking an immediate statement from the government.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram intervened to say that the government would convene a meeting of the affected states to find ways to resolve the problems.

However, this failed to pacify the members who continued to vociferously raise their demands in the Well. Speaker Meira Kumar then adjourned the House till 2 PM.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Pal said the plight of the paddy-growers in Uttar Pradesh was worsening as the procurement agencies were not purchasing their produce. This was forcing farmers to sell to private traders at rates much below the minimum support price (MSP).

Pal's contention that the procurement agencies were turning farmers away by raising the issue of dampness and moisture in paddy, came in for strong support from SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and his RJD counterpart Lalu Prasad.

The Congress member also said there was a virtual stoppage of the entire procurement in Uttar Pradesh.

"Such a situation has never occurred before. Government should find out whether it is being done by the officers. The Centre is responsible for procurement and it should fulfil that responsibility," the SP chief said, alleging there was a conspiracy to blame the states ruled by non-Congress parties.

"Middlemen were looting the entire rice crop and the farmers," said Lalu Prasad. (MORE)