JAMMU, DEC 7: The Government of India has extended the time period for procurement of paddy by FCI till 31st December, 2021 in Jammu region.
In this regard, delegation of several Farmers’ Associations on Tuesday met Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer in presence of officials of Food Corporation of India, Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare J&K, Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs J&K UT with regard to their issues with FCI.
The representatives of Farmers Associations put forth their demands seeking further streamlining of timely payments of procurements, necessary updation in online registration portal, creation of permanent infrastructure for procurement centres, Grievances redressal mechanism etc. They also handed over a memorandum of demands to Div Com.
It was informed that a total of 22 mandis (procurement centers) have been opened including 9 in Kathua district, 1 in Samba district and 12 in Jammu district and over 33000 Metric tonne paddy costing around Rs 66 crore has been procured so far in these procurement centres. GM FCI told the Divisional Commissioner that with the introduction of e-procurement mandies; the farmers are getting full and assured benefit of MSP and the middlemen have been eradicated from the procurement process to give maximum benefit to the farmers.
Pertinently, with the efforts of Lieutenant Governor’s Administration, the Government of India has extended the time period for procurement of paddy by FCI till 31st December, 2021.
The farmers raised the issue of time delay in some instances in the payments, for which the Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned to upgrade their portal further; so that hassle free & timely payments can be ensured.
It was informed that the Agriculture department has developed an online portal but due to lack of payment gateway & integration with land records, certain delays are taking place.
Responding to the issue of development of permanent infrastructure for procurement centres in the division, the Div Com instructed the officials of Agriculture department to submit the indents for identification of suitable land for the purpose. The Div Com also suggested for exploring possibilities of the Agriculture Marketing Infrastructure scheme & existing infrastructure of the Cooperative Dept.
Dr Langer asked the officials of Agriculture Dept to notify cleaning activity rates for the next Rabi procurement season and to seek separate tender for cleaning activity, as per the demand of the farmers.
He also instructed the concerned to appoint Nodal officers for smooth procurement and to notify helpline numbers along with evolving an effective grievances redressal mechanism.
The General Manager FCI assured the Div Com that all pending liabilities of the farmers shall be cleared in next three days.
Among others General Manager, FCI, DM FCI, Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu, Deputy Director Planning, Deputy Director FCS & CA Department, besides farmers association members were present.
