Paddy Procurement Controversy: BCO Lakshmipur Caught Using Unauthorized Salt-Water Test in Kala Panchayat

Violation of FCI Guidelines Raises Concerns Over Procurement Standards

Jamui, Bihar: A serious breach of procurement protocols has come to light in Kala Panchayat, Lakshmipur Taluka, where Block Cooperative Officer (BCO) Lakshmipur has allegedly ignored official guidelines and introduced an unscientific salt-water method to test paddy quality. This non-standard approach, which has no recognition under government regulations, violates Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Agmark standards, raising serious concerns about quality control and transparency.

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Unapproved Testing at kala PACS Centers

Reports from the ground confirm that PACS procurement officials, under the supervision of BCO Lakshmipur, replaced scientifically approved paddy testing procedures with an unauthorized salt-water technique. Instead of using official moisture meters and quality screening tools, officials allegedly instructed staff to dip paddy grains into a salt-water solution to assess their quality.

🔴 Why This is a Concern?

✔ Salt-water testing is not a scientifically validated method for assessing grain quality.
✔ It is not recognized in FCI’s official procurement guidelines for paddy.
✔ The method can lead to inconsistencies in grading, affecting procurement rates and farmer payments.

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Against FCI & Agmark Standards

The Handbook of Quality Control (V 24.01), released by the Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, on 27th June 2024, mandates strict adherence to scientific testing methods. The official Fair Average Quality (FAQ) norms specify the following guidelines for paddy procurement:

🔹 Key Quality Parameters for Paddy Procurement

✅ Moisture Content – Maximum limit 17% (exceeding this leads to rejection).
✅ Foreign Matter (sand, husk, stones, etc.) – Should not exceed 2%.
✅ Damaged, Discolored & Sprouted Grains – Maximum limit 5% (Weevilled grains must be ≤1%).
✅ Immature, Shrunken & Shrivelled Grains – Not more than 3% allowed.

🚨 The handbook does not mention salt-water testing as an approved procedure, making its usage a clear violation of procurement rules.

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Lack of Government Response Raises Questions

Despite reports of these irregular testing methods, no official response has been issued by the local administration or state authorities. However, growing concerns over the accuracy and transparency of paddy quality assessments could lead to an official investigation into procedural violations.

🔍 Key Takeaways

✔ Unscientific salt-water testing violates government procurement norms.
✔ FCI guidelines mandate scientific tools like moisture meters for paddy quality checks.
✔ Authorities have yet to respond, raising concerns over accountability.

This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of FCI norms to prevent non-standard testing practices at procurement centers.

📌 Will authorities take action, or will procedural lapses continue unchecked? The situation in Kala Panchayat remains under scrutiny as stakeholders await a response from the administration.