Rains may hit paddy crop in Punjab

Untimely rains accompanied by strong winds may have caused damage to paddy crop at several places in Punjab even as paddy procurement has reached 13.66 lakh tonnes (LT) in the ongoing kharif marketing season 2014-15.
Reports coming from fields suggest that standing paddy crop got flattened at several places because of strong winds while crop lying in the open at grain markets also got drenched in rain, which will raise moisture level in the crop.
Rains today lashed several parts of Punjab and Haryana bringing down mercury sharply.
Meanwhile, out of total procurement, government owned agencies have bought 12.67 LT, which accounts for 92 per cent of purchase while rest was procured by private traders.

Among government agencies, Pungrain lifted 3.49 LT while Markfed, Punsup, PSWC and Punjab Agro bought 3.09 LT, 2.89 LT, 1.26 LT and 1.32 LT respectively.
FCI bought 68,452 tonnes of paddy.

Meanwhile, Commission agents today accused the state government of not disbursing crop payment for the purpose of paying to growers since the start of crop procurement season on October 1.
"We have not been given single penny by the state government ever since the start of procurement season. As a result of which farmers are not getting their dues for bringing their crop," said Federation of Arthiya Associations of Punjab, President, Vijay Kalra.

As per arrangement, commission agents are required to pay to farmers within 48 hours of purchase after receiving payment from state government.
Punjab government is eyeing to purchase 140 LT of paddy for the current season.