Paddy procurement begins in Punjab and Haryana

As the Central Government has allowed paddy procurement in Punjab and Haryana, the operations have started on Sunday (October 3). This was confirmed by Ashwini Kumar Choubey, MoS, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Ashwini Kumar Choubey met Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in the national capital after which he said that "the procurement (of Kharif crops) will start from October 3 in Haryana as well as Punjab. Also Read | Punjab CM thanks PM Narendra Modi for his intervention in resolving paddy procurement issue ML Khattar said that the Central Government had postponed the start of procurement of paddy and millet to October 11 from October 1 this year due to the delay in the monsoon. Also Read | Punjab CM Channi urges Railway Board chairman to withdraw cases against farmers He further said that there were demands for an early start. After the central government revoked its decision of delaying the paddy procurement in Punjab and Haryana, Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Saturday called off their protests. Several demonstrations were held on Saturday in Punjab and Haryana to demand immediate procurement of paddy, which was earlier delayed till October 11. "This is a victory of farmers' united struggle", said SKM, and announced the calling off of the protests for paddy procurement. SKM stated the protests were organised by them to ensure that paddy procurement is begun immediately without any further delay. "Protests are also being organised by farm unions for payment of compensation to loss-incurring cotton farmers, due to damage caused by pink bollworm in various districts of Punjab and Haryana," it added. -PTC News