Himachal Farmers Frustrated as Wheat Payments Stay Stuck
In a shocking revelation, a total of around 2,500 farmers from four districts, Sirmaur, Solan, Una, and Kangra, are still awaiting payment for the wheat seed sold to Himachal Pradesh’s Agriculture Department during the months of April, May, and June. Despite supplying nearly 87,000 quintals of certified wheat seed to the department, many of these farmers have not been paid even after three months. This has led to immense frustration among the farmers, who are struggling to make ends meet amidst the ongoing pandemic.
The delay in payments has not only affected the financial stability of these farmers but has also put a dent in their reputation. Many of them have had to borrow money from local money lenders to meet their daily expenses, and the delay in payment has only added to their woes. The farmers have been left with no option but to request the department to release the payment at the earliest.
The issue came to light when a group of farmers from Sirmaur district met the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, and brought the matter to his notice. The Chief Minister assured the farmers that he would look into the matter and take necessary steps to resolve the issue. However, even after three months, the farmers are still waiting for their payment.
The farmers claim that they had supplied high-quality wheat seed to the department, which was used for the state’s crop development program. Despite this, they have not received any payment for their services. The farmers are now worried about the impact of the delay on their livelihood and are seeking immediate intervention from the government.
The Himachal Pradesh government’s delay in paying the farmers has also raised questions about the accountability of the government officials responsible for the payment. It is unclear why the payment has been delayed, and what steps the government is taking to resolve the issue.
The delay in payment has also affected the morale of the farmers, who are already struggling to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic. Many farmers have had to abandon their crops, resulting in a significant loss of income. The delay in payment has only added to their woes, and the farmers are now worried about their future.
The Himachal Pradesh government has been criticized for its handling of the issue. The government has been accused of not taking the issue seriously and has been criticized for its lack of transparency. The government’s failure to resolve the issue has left the farmers feeling frustrated and helpless.
The issue has also raised questions about the state’s agricultural policy. The state government’s failure to pay the farmers on time has raised concerns about the state’s ability to manage its agricultural sector. The government’s inability to pay the farmers has also led to a loss of confidence among the farmers, who are now worried about their future.
The farmers have been demanding an immediate payment from the government. They have also been demanding action against the officials responsible for the delay. The government has been asked to take immediate steps to resolve the issue and to ensure that the farmers receive their payment at the earliest.
The Himachal Pradesh government has promised to take immediate steps to resolve the issue. The government has assured the farmers that it will investigate the matter and take necessary action against the officials responsible for the delay. The government has also promised to pay the farmers their dues at the earliest.
In conclusion, the delay in payment to the farmers in Himachal Pradesh is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. The government’s failure to pay the farmers on time has raised concerns about the state’s ability to manage its agricultural sector. The government needs to take immediate steps to resolve the issue and to ensure that the farmers receive their payment at the earliest. The farmers deserve to be paid for their hard work, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that they receive their payment.
Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/seed-of-frustration-grows-as-wheat-payments-stay-stuck/
