MP: Farmers Protest Over Rain-Damaged Paddy in Jabalpur, Carry Sacks Of Soaked Crop To Tehsil Offices (WATCH)

Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) farmers from various tehsils in Jabalpur, staged a protest on Wednesday-- first day of the New Year 2025. The farmers sought compensation after the unseasonal rains damaged their paddy produce.

The agitated farmers from Shahpura, Patan, and Majholi tehsils even carried sacks of soaked paddy on their backs, and marched to tehsil offices to complain. They submitted a memorandum to the Tehsildar and SDM and demanded action against the damage caused by negligence of concerned officials. They also urged for compensation for crops damaged by rain and hail.

The produce of around 650 farmers has not yet been weighed and their paddy has started to sprout. It is said officials are waiting for sunlight to dry the soaked paddy in order to record the correct weight.

Farmers demand action against responsible officials

Disturbing images have emerged from procurement centers in Shahpura, Ghunsor, Sihora, Panagar, and Tilasani, where soaked paddy has caused the farmers distress. 

On the issue, Shahpura Tehsil Minister Dharam Patel said, "Due to the rains, the paddy has sprouted, making it useless. This is a result of gross administrative negligence, and action must be taken against the officials responsible for the same."

According to Patan Tehsil President Mukund Pachauri, "Unseasonal rains and hailstorms have severely damaged crops like peas, chickpeas, lentils, wheat, and vegetables in all tehsils. A prompt survey and compensation are essential."

Administration assures investigation and compensation 

Regarding the issue, Jabalpur’s Additional Collector Meesha Singh stated that investigations have been conducted into the rain-damaged paddy. Out of 206,000 MT of procured paddy, 9,300 MT (4.5%) was affected by rain. Of this, 5,200 MT belonged to around 650 farmers who had stored their produce at procurement centers. Immediate measures are being taken to dry the affected paddy under the sun and upgrade its quality.

Farmers, however, claimed the district administration’s report of only 4.5% of paddy being affected is incorrect. They blame the administration for failing to protect their produce despite advance warnings from the weather department. Many procurement centers reportedly lacked proper storage arrangements, leading to widespread losses. 

The additional collector Meesha Singh also added, all the damages would be compensated, and responsible officials will face action. Farmers whose paddy meets FAQ standards will receive full payment."