Mumbai: The opposition government staged a walkout at the Maharashtra assembly on Wednesday following a commotion regarding alleged unpaid dues to farmers for soybean procurement. The session was marked by intense exchanges as the opposition accused the government of irregularities in the procurement process and delays in payments to farmers.
Congress member Vijay Wadettiwar asserted that soyabean producers have not received payment for their sold crops. Cooperation and Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal informed the assembly that this year, a historic volume of soyabean has been procured at 562 centres across the state.
"More than 51,000 farmers sold their produce, and Rs 5,500 crore has been directly transferred to their bank accounts," Rawal said according to report by PTI. However, a controversy arose regarding an incident in Balapur taluka of Akola district. The minister explained that the Andura Shetkari Company, a collective of farmers, failed to deliver 1,297 quintals of soyabean to the warehouse despite having registered it in the procurement records.
A criminal case has been filed against the company's head, and Rs 36 lakh has been withheld pending further investigation, he noted. Rawal assured that efforts are being made to facilitate payments to the farmers affected by this issue.
The initial question was raised by MLA Daulat Daroda, with supplementary inquiries from Hemant Ogle, Randhir Savarkar, Nana Patole, Rohit Pawar, Kailas Patil, and Jayant Patil. Frustrated with the minister's reply, the opposition members exited the House in protest.
