Cong demands extension of paddy procurement date

     Raipur, January 22, 2012: Main opposition Congress today demanded extension of last date for procurement of paddy due to untimely rainfall.

     The State Government should extend the last date of procurement of paddy up to February last looking into the problems being faced by the farmers due to untimely rainfall, PCC President Nanda Kumar Patel and Leader of Opposition Ravindra Choubey said in a joint statement.

     The Last date of purchase of paddy was February 15, but looking into the rainfall and related difficulties faced by the farmers, that should be extended to February last, they said.

     The Congress party also accused the government of damaging Rs 220 crore worth of paddy by putting that in open area, without any rain protection.

     Despite advance rainfall warning by the Weather Department the state government did not take any action, and allowed the paddy to be stocked in open area, because of which Rs 220 crore worth of paddy got damaged, both the leaders claimed.

     “This is criminal negligence on the part of the state government,” they alleged.