Daijiworld Media Network – Ranchi

Ranchi, May 22: Over 25,000 farmers in Jharkhand are still waiting for their rightful payments, months after selling paddy to government procurement agencies. With dues mounting to nearly Rs 290 cr, frustration is growing, and farmers have threatened a statewide agitation if payments are not cleared within 15 days.

Official records show that around 58,860 farmers sold paddy to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across the state. Alarmingly, nearly 5,000 have not received a single rupee, while many others are still awaiting their second and third instalments.

As per procurement guidelines, farmers must receive the first instalment within 72 hours and the remaining amount within a week. However, multiple farmers have alleged gross violations of these norms in several districts.

The paddy procurement drive concluded on April 30, achieving only 69% of the 60 lac quintal target. At Rs 2,400 per quintal (including bonus), the government owes a total of Rs 962.10 cr to farmers. So far, only Rs 670 cr has been disbursed.

With the monsoon season nearing, farmers are anxious. Delayed payments may cripple their ability to invest in seeds, fertilisers, and equipment for the upcoming sowing period.

Opposition leaders have slammed the Hemant Soren-led government for its failure. BJP state president and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi accused the government of betraying farmers.

“They promised payment within 72 hours, but farmers have been kept waiting for months. Before elections, they even pledged Rs 3,100 per quintal. That too was a false promise,” Marandi said.

A group of farmers has announced plans to launch a hunger strike outside Raj Bhavan in Ranchi if dues remain unpaid, demanding urgent intervention and reforms to ensure timely payments in future procurement cycles.