Why Farmers in kala panchayat Are Losing Trust in PACS Centers

The farmers of Kala Panchayat in Laxmipur Taluka, Jamui District, Bihar, are grappling with a persistent struggle that exposes the shortcomings of Bihar's rural economy and government policies. Today, a group of farmers from Kala Panchayat visited the DM office in Jamui and voiced their grievances during the DM's "Janta Darbar" (public hearing). They raised a crucial question: when the government has set the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy at ₹2,300 per quintal (₹23 per kilogram) for the 2024-25 Kharif marketing season , why are PACS (Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society) officials pressuring farmers to sell their produce at a reduced rate of ₹18-₹20 per kilogram?

This issue is not new. Year after year, the same story unfolds. Farmers revealed that PACS officials often blame rice mill owners, claiming that they demand additional paddy during processing, which hinders the purchase process. As a result, farmers are forced to sell their hard-earned harvest at unreasonably low prices, bearing the brunt of systemic inefficiencies.

Pramod Pandey, an educated farmer from Kala Panchayat, has been at the forefront of this fight. He has reached out to local MLAs and various government departments, lodging complaints and raising awareness through blogs and video clips. He has consistently highlighted the plight of farmers and exposed the irregularities in PACS centers. Speaking about the ongoing issue, Pramod Pandey stated, "This is not just my battle. It is a fight for all farmers who are being denied their rightful earnings every year."

Farmers further pointed out that the condition of PACS centers in Laxmipur Taluka is even worse. Despite being home to many beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, only a handful of farmers sell their paddy at PACS centers. This raises serious questions about the functioning of these centers and the trust deficit among farmers regarding government systems.

During today’s hearing, the farmers passionately questioned why they must struggle for their rights every year. They urged the DM to take immediate action and ensure that PACS centers purchase paddy at the government-mandated price, providing farmers with their rightful dues.

This time, the farmers of Kala Panchayat have broken their silence. They have resolved not to endure this injustice any longer. The arguments and evidence presented before the DM are not mere complaints; they symbolize the beginning of a movement.

Now, all eyes are on the administration. Will the authorities take concrete steps to address this pressing issue? Will the farmers of Kala Panchayat finally receive the justice they deserve? Or will their voices once again get buried under heaps of bureaucratic paperwork? Farmers remain hopeful that their hard work and perseverance will not go unnoticed this time.