Paddy Payment Stuck: 1.1 Million Quintals Under Open Sky in Balaghat, Farmers Distressed

• Farmers in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, are facing distress as payments for sold paddy are delayed despite procurement and weighing.
• Slow transportation is the primary reason for the payment delays, with 1.1 million quintals of paddy still awaiting transport.
• Procurement centers are overflowing, forcing paddy to be stored on tarpaulins, risking damage from weather and pests.
• Pankajam Enterprises, responsible for transportation in the Lalbarra sector, obtained a High Court stay after its tender was canceled due to slow progress.
• Farmers, many with urgent financial needs like loan repayments and weddings, are worried about the prolonged payment delays and lack of proper storage.

Why It Matters: Balaghat farmers face severe financial hardship due to delayed paddy payments and inadequate storage at procurement centers.