Arhtiyas oppose direct payment to farmers

Tribune Reporters

Karnal/Ambala, April 29

On the call of Haryana Arthiyas’ Association, commission agents of Karnal and Ambala grain market suspended work on Sunday in protest against a state government’s decision to credit money into bank accounts of farmers, bypassing them.

They opposed government’s another decision of not procuring wheat from Uttar Pradesh and other neighbouring states.

The Food and Civil Supplies Department recently issued a circular about direct payment in farmers’ account.

New Grain Market Commission Agents’ Association, Ambala, president Duni Chand said: “The decision of crediting money into the bank accounts of farmers impacts the arhtiya system. We will continue to suspend work till our demand is met.”

Another commission agent said, “Arhtiyas lend money to farmers. If payments are transferred into their accounts, there is no guarantee that we will get our money back. Besides, banks may deduct the loan amount while crediting the money in farmers’ accounts. In the process, farmers may end up getting nothing.”

Arthiyas of the Karnal grain market led by their president Rajneesh Chaudhary assembled in the mandi. They allowed farmers to unload their produce at their shops, but refused to weigh wheat.

“We are against illegal trading of wheat from other states, but farmers should be allowed to sell their produce anywhere in the country,” said Chaudhary.

Farmers demand the government to end the deadlock. Referring to arthiyas as their “ATMs”, some of the farmers said they should be paid as per the old system — through the arthiyas.

“An arthiya is like an ATM for a farmer as he can get money anytime from him. Direct payment will affect their relationship,” said Ajmer Singh, a farmer.

Kushal Boora, District Food Supply Controller, Karnal, admitted that wheat was not procured on Sunday. “It was government’s decision to issue the circular,” he said.

Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) spokesman Rakesh Bains said, “We welcome the government’s decision. It will end the exploitation of farmers.”

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2HAMbqC