Punjab LoP Criticizes CM Mann Over Paddy Procurement Issues

By A Staff Reporter

In a recent statement in Delhi, Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa expressed strong criticism of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding the ongoing paddy procurement issues in the state. Bajwa accused Mann of being in collusion with the BJP leadership in Delhi, suggesting that the Chief Minister should have taken a more visionary approach to address the agricultural challenges facing Punjab.

Bajwa emphasized the importance of proactive engagement, stating that Mann should have met with key figures such as the Railway Minister, Food Minister, and Prime Minister to discuss Punjab's pressing issues. He pointed out that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) procures paddy and wheat every year, highlighting the longstanding nature of these concerns.

He raised questions about the lack of adequate storage facilities for the new crop, noting, "Where will the fresh crop be kept? There is no storage." Bajwa also criticized Mann's introduction of new seeds, PR-126, which are said to be harvested in a shorter time frame but questioned the absence of scientific studies to validate these claims.

Bajwa warned that the shift to these new seeds could lead to significant financial losses for farmers, estimating a potential loss of around Rs 6000 crores due to discrepancies in recovery rates. He urged the government to address these pressing concerns rather than shift blame to the Centre.