Allegations of Farmer Exploitation at Thawari Moong Procurement Center: Administration Orders Strict Investigation

Farmers Allege Exploitation at Thawari Moong Procurement Center

Serious allegations of farmer exploitation and systemic irregularities have surfaced at the moong procurement center operated by the Thawari Service Cooperative Society in Sagar district's Kesli block. Farmers claim that the center is purchasing substandard moong contaminated with dirt and debris, while those with good quality produce are subjected to unnecessary harassment under the guise of quality checks.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the active involvement of traders and middlemen, with the center in-charge's role coming under scrutiny. Farmers report facing numerous difficulties in selling their produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The silence of local representatives regarding these alleged procurement irregularities has also drawn criticism.

Officials Take Cognizance, Order Investigation

Taking serious note of the farmers' complaints, Sagar Additional Collector Avinash Rawat and Kesli Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Rajnandini Sharma have initiated an inquiry into the Thawari moong procurement center. The officials met with farmers, listened to their grievances, and assured a detailed investigation into the procurement system.

“This matter raised by the farmers has come to our notice. A thorough investigation of the moong procurement center operated by the Thawari Service Cooperative Society will be conducted, and if any negligence is found at any level, strict action will definitely be taken,” said Additional Collector Avinash Rawat.

SDM Rajnandini Sharma further stated, “Irregularities are repeatedly coming to light at the moong procurement center operated by the Thawari Service Cooperative Society. Coordination will be established with the Deori SDM to ensure necessary action in this regard.”

Questions Raised Over Operations

Local residents and farmers allege that although the moong procurement center is sanctioned for the Kesli block, its operations are being conducted at a warehouse located in the Deori block. This added distance is causing significant hardship for farmers in transporting their produce to the procurement center.

It is also alleged that individuals other than the committee manager are more actively involved at the procurement center, with the purported presence of brokers. If the investigation reveals the absence of the committee manager or the involvement of unauthorized persons, a probe into their roles has been demanded.

Center In-charge and Patronage Allegations

Farmers have also questioned the role of the Thawari Service Cooperative Society's procurement center in-charge. Allegations suggest varied individuals are involved in procurement-related activities. Farmers demand clarity on who the authorized center in-charge is and the responsibilities of officers, employees, or quasi-employees in the procurement process.

Farmers are seeking immediate action against responsible individuals if the investigation uncovers the in-charge's absence, discrepancies in documents, improper procurement, weighing irregularities, or any other illegal activity. Additionally, some locals and farmers have accused certain individuals of enjoying protection from local BJP leaders. These allegations are yet to be independently verified.

Demand for Comprehensive Procurement Process Investigation

Farmers have called for an impartial investigation into the entire procurement process at the Thawari moong procurement center. They demand a detailed examination of the quality of procured moong, farmer registration, produce weighing, payment system, stock management, availability of gunny bags, procurement registers, surveyor reports, and the roles of employees and other individuals present at the center.

Farmers emphasize that their right is to receive fair prices for their hard-earned produce and that procurement processes at centers must be conducted with complete transparency and adherence to rules. All eyes are now on the administrative investigation to reveal the facts and determine the course of action against those found responsible for any irregularities.