Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
The paddy procurement figures in Udham Singh Nagar district have raised serious questions about possible irregularities. The region’s procurement centers have reported a substantial rise in purchases, contrasting sharply with the earlier reports of chaos and low farmer turnout. This discrepancy has led to suspicions of a potential scam within the procurement process.
Until October, farmers across the district struggled with delays, low prices, and issues related to moisture standards at procurement centers. Frustrated with delayed payments, many farmers opted to sell their paddy to middlemen in the open market for prices lower than the Minimum Support Price (MSP), securing immediate cash payments. By early November, the majority of farmers had already sold their produce outside the centers, leaving procurement centers seemingly inactive.
However, figures released from the procurement centers depict a different story. On October 15, paddy purchases across various centers stood at 10,722.45 quintals from only 159 farmers. By October 29, the reported total surged to 369,666.42 quintals, showing a marked increase despite a Diwali holiday on October 31 and November 1. The sudden surge in purchases continued, with procurement figures reaching 886,382 quintals by November 9 and jumping further to 1,003,102.8 quintals by November 12—a staggering increase of 116,720.8 quintals within just four days.
Concerns have heightened due to discrepancies at multiple procurement centers. At the Chowmela Purchase Center of the Terai Vikas Sahakari Sangh Ltd., there were no officials, laborers, or farmers present, nor any visible signs of paddy stockpiles. Yet, records show that on November 11 and 12, purchases of 389.20 and 346.80 quintals, respectively, were reported. Similar irregularities were noted at other centers. In Kichha, paddy and farmers were notably absent at the Maharajpur government center, yet the in-charge claimed their purchase limit had been met. Similar conditions were observed in Khatima, where, despite substantial stockpiles, paddy weighing was reportedly halted at the Banusi center. In Kashipur, only a single farmer had managed to sell 56 quintals at the Kudeshwari center by late morning, while Gularbhoj’s UCF center remained entirely vacant with no recorded purchases, adding to the suspicions surrounding the authenticity of the procurement figures across the district.
“Wherever such irregularities are found, strict action will be taken,” said Suman Kumar, Assistant Registrar of Cooperatives, Udham Singh Nagar. He added, “Farmers have begun bringing in paddy late in the season, so some centers have hit their purchasing limit, while others remain inactive.”
The unusual spike in procurement numbers despite operational inconsistencies at centers has fueled concerns of a possible scam, raising questions about the authenticity of recorded purchases and suggesting a mismanagement of funds and resources within the procurement system. Authorities have indicated that investigations will continue to address these suspicions and ensure transparency in the procurement process.
