Haryana set to begin mustard procurement from Tuesday

Starting from Tuesday, the Haryana government plans to buy mustard crops at 106 centers across the state. These purchases will be made at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹5,650 per quintal. The process will be managed by the Haryana State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited (HAFED) and Haryana State Warehouse Corporation (HSWC).

However, there's controversy surrounding the timing of this initiative. Farmers allege that private buyers have already exploited the situation by purchasing crops at lower prices. The government is expecting around 14.28 lakh metric tonnes of mustard, but many feel the decision to start procurement is delayed.

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Challenges faced and opposition response:

One major issue arises from discrepancies in the data entered on the “Meri Fasal-Mera Byora” portal, which affects the procurement process. Approximately 10.40 lakh acres of land records are mismatched, creating obstacles to smooth procurement.

Farmers' unions, like Bhartiya Kisan Union (Sir Chotu Ram), argue that due to early harvesting, private buyers, along with government collusion, are offering significantly lower prices than the MSP, causing financial strain on farmers. Opposition leaders, including former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, criticize the government's preparation, doubting its ability to manage the procurement effectively.

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In conclusion, while the Haryana government's initiative to procure mustard at MSP aims to support farmers, challenges such as timing controversies and data discrepancies highlight the need for smoother coordination and transparency in agricultural procurement processes.