West Bengal Takes Action Against Brokers in Paddy Sale Orders Strict Measures for Farmers Benefit
Kolkata: The West Bengal government has launched a direct procurement initiative to buy paddy from farmers, but recent reports of brokers manipulating the sale process in several districts have raised concerns that farmers are not receiving the fair price for their produce. To address these issues, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has instructed the state administration to take swift action against the involvement of middlemen.
On Friday, State Chief Secretary Manoj Pant held a meeting with the District Magistrates of all districts to discuss solutions to the problem. The meeting, lasting for over an hour, focused on eliminating the role of brokers in the sale of paddy and ensuring that farmers are paid directly and fairly for their crops.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the installation of more CCTV cameras at paddy sale centers to enhance security and monitor the activities of brokers. The objective is to identify and remove middlemen from the system, ensuring that farmers can sell their paddy without interference.
Pant also emphasized the importance of training officials at the sale centers to ensure that the purchasing process runs smoothly and accurately. He made it clear that if brokers continue to operate despite warnings, strict legal action will be taken against them.
Additionally, Pant instructed the District Magistrates and District Superintendents of Police to conduct regular inspections of the paddy selling centers to ensure compliance with the new guidelines. He also recommended organizing meetings at the district level, involving public representatives, to address any ongoing issues and resolve farmers’ concerns promptly.
The state government’s decisive action is aimed at protecting farmers from exploitation and ensuring they receive the fair prices they deserve for their crops.
