Why Are Jharkhand Farmers Still Waiting for Paddy Payments?
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Synopsis
Over 25,000 farmers in Jharkhand are facing a crisis as they await payments for paddy sold months ago. With the government owing them a staggering Rs 290 crore, unrest is brewing, prompting calls for protests and hunger strikes. As the monsoon season approaches, the urgency for payment becomes critical for these farmers.
Key Takeaways
- Over 25,000 farmers in Jharkhand are awaiting payments.
- The government owes Rs 290 crore to farmers for paddy sales.
- 5,000 farmers have received no payments at all.
- Farmers threaten hunger strikes if payments are delayed.
- Procurement rules state payments should occur within 72 hours.
Ranchi, May 22 (NationPress) Over 25,000 farmers in Jharkhand are facing an agonizing wait for payments for paddy sold to government procurement agencies five to six months ago.
The government currently owes these farmers about Rs 290 crore, leading to rising unrest and threats of statewide protests.
Official data indicates that approximately 58,860 farmers sold paddy to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across Jharkhand.
Out of them, close to 5,000 farmers have yet to receive any payment, while many others have only received the initial instalment of 50% of what they are owed, leaving significant sums from the second and third payments outstanding.
According to procurement regulations, the first payment should be processed within 72 hours post-purchase, with the remaining dues settled within a week. However, farmers from numerous districts claim that these guidelines have been seriously disregarded.
A group of aggrieved farmers has threatened to initiate a hunger strike outside Raj Bhavan in Ranchi if their outstanding payments are not addressed within the next 15 days.
The paddy procurement initiative wrapped up on April 30 of this year. Despite a target of 60 lakh quintals, the state managed to procure only 69% of that goal, totaling around 40.08 lakh quintals. Farmers are entitled to receive Rs 2,400 per quintal, including a bonus.
Based on this pricing, the total government debt to farmers amounts to Rs 962.10 crore, yet only about Rs 670 crore has been disbursed so far.
As the monsoon season approaches, farmers worry that further delays in payment will hinder their ability to invest in crucial agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment needed for the upcoming sowing period.
The Leader of Opposition and BJP state president Babulal Marandi criticized the government led by Hemant Soren, accusing it of failing to support farmers.
“The government assured payments within 72 hours, but farmers have been abandoned for months. They also promised to purchase paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal before the elections, which turned out to be a false promise,” Marandi stated.
Farmers and opposition representatives are now urging immediate action from the state government to clear the pending payments and guarantee timely transactions in future procurement cycles.
Point of View
The ongoing payment delays to Jharkhand's farmers highlight systemic failures in agricultural procurement processes. The government’s inability to adhere to established guidelines undermines farmers' trust and threatens their livelihoods, particularly as the crucial sowing season approaches. Immediate intervention is essential for restoring faith and ensuring future compliance.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many farmers in Jharkhand are waiting for payments?
Over 25,000 farmers are currently awaiting payments for paddy sold to government procurement agencies.
What is the total amount owed to the farmers?
The government owes approximately Rs 290 crore to the farmers for their paddy sales.
What actions are farmers threatening to take?
Farmers have threatened to launch a hunger strike outside Raj Bhavan in Ranchi if their payments are not cleared within 15 days.
When did the paddy procurement drive conclude?
The paddy procurement drive concluded on April 30 of this year.
What is the payment rate for paddy per quintal?
Farmers are to be paid Rs 2,400 per quintal, which includes a bonus.
