Bargarh: Massive irregularities during paddy procurement process in the district were suspected with the district administration issuing notices to primary agricultural cooperative societies (PACS) over the issue.
The rice millers have managed to lift paddy beyond the target set by the district administration due to the negligence of PACS authorities, it was learnt.
On behalf of the food supplies and consumer welfare department, district civil supplies officer (CSO) Vivekananda Korkara Thursday served a notice on the PACS which is in charge of Thuapali and Kalapani market yards of the district. He sought to know from concerned officials as to how rice millers like Sri Shyamji Agro Rice Mill and Siddheswar Rice Mill managed to get away with paddy beyond their permissive limit.
Sri Shaymji Agro has already lifted 919.5 quintals of paddy against a target of 500 quintals from Thuapali market yard while Siddheswar Rice Mill collected 5,324.94 quintal of paddy in place of 5,000 quintals from Kalapani yard.
The PACS authorities turning a blind eye to the situation clearly indicates the unholy nexus between the officials and rice millers, some farmers alleged.
Meanwhile, CSO Korkara asked the chief executive officer of Sambalpur district central cooperative (SDCC) bank and deputy and assistant registrar of cooperative societies to ensure that no rice millers collect paddy beyond their limits.
Paddy procurement began in Bargarh November 15. In the first phase, 42 PACS were given a target to buy 8.71 lakh quintal of paddy from farmers. The rice millers of the district were asked to set their targets on custom milling basis and the PACS were informed over the matter.
The millers managing to exceed their limits during paddy collection has raised questions over the transparency during procurement procedure. PNN
