Jharkhand farmers await payment for paddy sold months ago, warn of stir

IANS May 22, 2025 221 views

Jharkhand is facing a critical agricultural payment crisis affecting over 25,000 farmers. The state government owes approximately Rs 290 crore for paddy procurement, with nearly 5,000 farmers receiving no payment at all. Opposition leader Babulal Marandi has strongly criticized the Hemant Soren government for betraying farmers and violating payment norms. Farmers are now threatening statewide protests if their dues are not cleared within 15 days.

"Before elections, they promised to buy paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal, but that too turned out to be an empty claim" - Babulal Marandi, Opposition Leader
Ranchi, May 22: More than 25,000 farmers in Jharkhand are still awaiting payment for paddy they sold to government procurement agencies over five to six months ago.

Key Points

1

Farmers owed Rs 290 crore for paddy sold 5-6 months ago

2

Nearly 5,000 farmers haven't received any payment

3

Procurement norms repeatedly violated by state government

The government currently owes approximately Rs 290 crore to these farmers, triggering growing discontent and warnings of statewide protests.

According to official figures, around 58,860 farmers sold paddy to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across Jharkhand.

Of these, nearly 5,000 have not received a single rupee to date. Many others received only the first instalment – 50 per cent of the payment -- while the remaining dues under the second and third tranches remain unpaid.

As per procurement rules, the first instalment should be paid within 72 hours of purchase, and the balance within a week. However, farmers across several districts allege these norms have been blatantly violated.

A group of affected farmers has now threatened to launch a hunger strike in front of Raj Bhavan in Ranchi if their dues are not cleared within 15 days.

The paddy procurement drive concluded on April 30 this year. Against a target of 60 lakh quintals, the state could procure only 69 per cent -- around 40.08 lakh quintals. Farmers are to be paid Rs 2,400 per quintal, inclusive of a bonus.

Based on this rate, the government owes Rs 962.10 crore in total, but has so far disbursed only around Rs 670 crore.

With the monsoon approaching, farmers fear that if payments are further delayed, they won’t be able to invest in essential agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilisers, and equipment for the upcoming sowing season.

Leader of Opposition and BJP state president Babulal Marandi slammed the Hemant Soren-led government, accusing it of betraying farmers.

“The government had promised payment within 72 hours, but farmers have been left in the lurch for months. Before elections, they promised to buy paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal, but that too turned out to be an empty claim,” Marandi said.

Farmers and opposition leaders are now demanding immediate intervention from the state government to release the pending dues and ensure timely payments in future procurement cycles.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is absolutely shameful! Our farmers feed the nation and this is how they're treated? ₹290 crore pending is no small amount. The government must release payments immediately before the sowing season begins. No more excuses! 🙏
P
Priya M.
As someone from Jharkhand, this breaks my heart. Farmers in our state already face so many challenges - delayed payments will force many into debt. The government must fix this system urgently. Why can't payments be automated to prevent such delays?
A
Amit S.
This isn't just about money - it's about trust in the system. When farmers can't rely on government promises, they'll stop selling to PACS and fall into the hands of middlemen. The entire procurement system needs overhauling.
S
Sunita R.
While I support the farmers' demands, I wonder where the money has gone? ₹290 crore doesn't just disappear. There should be a proper audit to track these funds. Maybe the problem is corruption rather than just delays.
V
Vikram J.
This is happening across many states, not just Jharkhand. We need a national solution for timely farmer payments. Maybe blockchain technology could help track payments transparently? Just a thought.
N
Neha T.
My uncle is one of these farmers waiting for payment. He can't buy seeds for next season and the whole family is stressed. Government babus get salaries on time, why can't our annadatas? 😔 This needs to be fixed yesterday!

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Tags:
Jharkhand Farmers Agricultural Payment Crisis Hemant Soren Government Paddy Procurement Babulal Marandi