THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, February 3: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Hemant Soren government, alleging large-scale corruption in paddy procurement and accusing the state administration of systematically looting farmers.
Addressing a press conference, Marandi claimed that the Hemant government had turned the paddy procurement process into a syndicate-driven operation, where money sent by the Centre is being diverted into the accounts of brokers and middlemen.
Only One-Third of Procurement Target Achieved
Highlighting official figures, Marandi said the state government had fixed a target of procuring 60 lakh quintals of paddy this year, but even after more than two months, it has managed to procure only 19,80,216 quintals.
He pointed out that although 2.79 lakh farmers are registered for procurement in Jharkhand, paddy has been purchased from just 35,547 farmers, exposing what he described as the government’s lack of intent to buy directly from cultivators.
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Farmers Forced to Sell at Throwaway Prices
Marandi alleged that due to delays and administrative apathy, farmers are being forced to sell paddy to middlemen at as low as ₹1,500 per quintal, while the government later shows inflated procurement figures by purchasing the same stock through brokers.
“The profit margin between the MSP and the purchase price goes straight into the pockets of middlemen—and ultimately benefits those in power,” he alleged.
MSP Promise Betrayed, Says Marandi
The Leader of the Opposition reminded that during Assembly elections, the Hemant government had promised an MSP of ₹3,200 per quintal, but later announced ₹2,400, out of which ₹2,300 comes as subsidy from the Central Government.
“The state government’s own contribution is only ₹100, and yet they have found a way to indulge in corruption even in this amount,” Marandi said.
Aiming at the government’s justification that warehouses are full, Marandi questioned how small and marginal farmers could afford to store paddy for months.
“The government says procurement will continue till March. But farmers need immediate cash. Officials are parroting the government’s line while farmers suffer,” he said.
Fake Farmers, Syndicate Raj Alleged
Marandi further alleged that a large procurement syndicate is active across the state with the tacit support of the government. He claimed that fake farmers are being created to siphon off procurement benefits, citing cases from the Gumla district.
He said he had written to the Chief Minister and raised the issue in the Assembly, but no action has been taken so far.
State Minister Saroj Singh and BJP Media In-charge Shivpujan Pathak were also present at the press conference.