Farmers Face Extortion at Moong Procurement Centers in Devri, Administration Silent

Widespread Allegations of Illegal Collections

Farmers in the Devri constituency are crying foul over alleged open extortion at the moong procurement centers operating in Devri and Kesli. Local farmers claim they are being charged an illegal fee of ₹200 to ₹300 per quintal for their produce. The silence from the concerned authorities on these serious accusations has become a matter of significant concern.

Irregularities at Thawari Service Cooperative Society Center

Specifically, severe irregularities are reportedly rampant at the moong procurement center run by the Thawari Service Cooperative Society at Usha Warehouse, Muar Khas. Farmers allege that the center in-charge is openly fleecing them and facilitating benefits for traders and middlemen. The presence of middlemen is evident at most moong procurement centers, with substandard, trash-laden, and soil-mixed moong being purchased.

Substandard Moong and Middlemen Activity

Reports indicate that in some locations, even the spoiled produce of traders is being accepted. Farmers have stated that despite the administration being aware of these malpractices, the entire issue is being overlooked. At the Usha Warehouse center under the Thawari Service Cooperative Society, farmers are reportedly being compelled to pay an additional ₹200 to ₹300 per quintal. Furthermore, moong of substandard quality is also being procured.

Officials Evading Action

Middlemen and traders appear active at the center, yet no official is taking action or conducting inspections. This situation raises suspicions of collusion between the center in-charge and local authorities, given the blatant violation of procurement rules. If the procurement process were transparent and followed government regulations, there would be no justification for collecting any additional amounts. This practice is placing an unnecessary financial burden on the farmers.

Farmers Demand Investigation and Action

Farmers have appealed to the relevant authorities for an impartial investigation and expect strict action against those responsible. They urge for an immediate halt to these illegal collections to prevent further harassment. It remains to be seen what action will be taken by the local officials of Devri-Kesli and district-level authorities following the publication of this report, or if they too will continue to ignore this grave issue.