Left MLAs meet Food Minister Sushanta Chowdhury seeking urgent relaxation in paddy procurement ceiling, expansion of quota beyond 18,000 MT, protection of VLW certification process, and timely reforms to ensure greater farmer participation and transparent procurement.
A delegation of Left legislators on Friday met Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury to raise critical concerns regarding the ongoing paddy procurement drive in the state. The meeting, held at the civil secretariat, focused on alleged irregularities, procurement ceilings, quota limitations, and procedural delays affecting farmers.
The seven-member delegation, led by senior Syamal Chakraborty, submitted a set of three major demands, urging immediate intervention from the minister to safeguard farmers’ interests.
Concerns Over Interference in VLW Certification
Addressing the media after the meeting, Chakraborty stated that the delegation highlighted issues related to interference in the standard certification process conducted by Village Level Workers (VLWs). Traditionally, VLWs inspect farmers’ cropland and verify their eligibility to participate in the paddy procurement drive. This system ensures that genuine cultivators benefit from government procurement schemes.
However, the Left legislators alleged that “unscrupulous elements” were interfering in the inspection and certification process in several areas. According to Chakraborty, such interference compromises transparency and fairness.
The Food Minister reportedly assured the delegation that only slips issued by authorized VLWs would be recognized as valid eligibility criteria for procurement and beneficiary selection. The assurance was welcomed by the delegation, though they emphasized the need for strict monitoring to prevent further irregularities.
Demand to Expand Procurement Ceiling
Another major issue raised during the meeting was the limited procurement volume. The state government is currently operating under a fixed quota of 18,000 metric tonnes (MT) for the season, as determined by the Centre. According to the delegation, this amount represents only around two percent of the total paddy production in the state.
Chakraborty said the delegation urged the minister to explore avenues for increasing the total quantity of paddy procured so that more farmers can benefit from assured government purchase. The Minister informed them that the department would approach the Centre for expansion of the quota once 50 percent of the current target is achieved.
The legislators also raised concerns over the ceiling imposed on individual farmers, which currently allows a maximum sale of five metric tonnes of paddy per farmer under existing rules. They argued that the limit should be reconsidered to provide better income support, especially for farmers with larger landholdings.
Two-Month Delay Raises Alarm
The delegation further expressed concern over the two-month delay in the commencement of this season’s procurement drive. Such delays, they argued, create financial stress for farmers who depend on timely procurement for cash flow.
Responding to the issue, Minister Chowdhury explained that the delay occurred due to pending milling-related decisions at the cabinet level. He assured the legislators that for upcoming seasons, advance policy decisions covering the next three years would be taken to prevent similar disruptions.
Political and Policy Implications
The meeting signals a growing political focus on agricultural procurement policies and their direct impact on rural livelihoods. With procurement volumes limited and administrative challenges surfacing, the demand for structural reforms appears to be gaining momentum.
The Left legislators emphasized that expanding the procurement base and ensuring procedural transparency would not only benefit farmers but also strengthen the credibility of the system. As discussions continue, all eyes will remain on whether the Centre approves an expanded quota and whether promised reforms are implemented before the next procurement cycle begins.
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The outcome of this engagement may shape future policy adjustments in the state’s agricultural procurement framework, especially amid increasing scrutiny over farmer welfare and government accountability.
