Lakshmipur Taluka, Jamui: The Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS) centre at Kala Panchayat has come under the scanner amid allegations of favoritism and malpractice in the procurement of paddy. Reports indicate that individuals holding government jobs, including employees of Indian Post, are selling large quantities of paddy despite having little to no involvement in farming.
This revelation has sparked widespread outrage among genuine farmers, raising questions about the credibility of the procurement process and the misuse of government schemes designed to uplift marginal farmers.
The Struggles of Real Farmers
Schemes like the Minimum Support Price (MSP) aim to provide a safety net for small and marginal farmers, but their implementation in Kala Panchayat paints a grim picture. Farmers like Aman Pandey, Anand Pandey, and Ajay Gope—who depend entirely on agriculture—have been left out in the cold.
Delays, alleged favoritism, and bureaucratic hurdles have kept genuine farmers from selling their produce.
"We toil for months to grow paddy, but when it's time to sell, we are sidelined. Those with government jobs and influence walk away with our share," lamented a local farmer.
Favoritism at the Forefront
The heart of the controversy lies in the misuse of the PACS system. Government employees and influential individuals are reportedly exploiting loopholes to bypass verification processes.
Key Concerns:
- Verification Gaps: Weak checks allow non-farmers to sell paddy meant for genuine cultivators.
- Financial Exploitation: PACS officials allegedly favor influential sellers over struggling farmers.
- Systemic Failures: Many farmers are forced to sell to middlemen or at rates far below the MSP.
Farmers Call for Action
Outraged by the malpractice, farmers in Kala Panchayat have issued a set of demands:
- A thorough investigation into PACS activities to uncover fraudulent practices.
- Implementation of a stricter verification system to ensure only genuine farmers benefit.
- Greater transparency in the procurement process, with public access to data.
- Legal accountability for officials involved in malpractice.
A Widespread Problem
The PACS controversy in Kala Panchayat is not an isolated incident. It points to a deeper malaise in India’s agricultural procurement system, where the very institutions designed to support farmers are being misused.
"If farmers cannot access the benefits of PACS, the entire system fails in its purpose," said a local activist.
The Way Forward
The PACS system must be reformed to restore trust and ensure justice for the farming community. Farmers like Aman Pandey, Anand Pandey, and Ajay Gope represent the struggles of countless others across the state.
The question remains: Will authorities take decisive action to safeguard farmers' interests, or will the system continue to serve only the influential?
(With inputs from kala panchayat Bureau)
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