Nashik: Food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Saturday flagged “irregularities” in farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) formed by politicians to assist Nafed in onion procurement, and urged the agency to purchase directly from Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to boost prices.
Direct procurement to benefit farmers
Talking to reporters in Nashik, Bhujbal said direct procurement by Nafed from markets would benefit farmers. “When Nafed goes to the market to buy onions, it naturally boosts the prices. Therefore, this time, we have stressed on the same during our meetings in New Delhi (with senior ministers). Nafed usually complains about lack of manpower for purchase and storage facilities for the onion,” he said.
Infrastructure constraints and intermediaries
He added that infrastructure constraints often led Nafed to rely on intermediaries. “Therefore, Nafed usually takes the other route — the farmers’ organisation to assist them in the process. However, last time, it was noted that many politicians had formed such organisations and there were large scale irregularities,” Bhujbal said.
Reforms in procurement process
The minister maintained that the government has pushed for reforms in the procurement process and expressed confidence that the situation would improve soon.
On legislative council elections
On legislative council elections, Bhujbal said the ruling coalition’s decision was final and internal differences had been settled. “When our leadership has given the candidature to Shiv Sena member Narendra Darade, it is beyond doubt that we will support the candidate,” he said, responding to questions on his rivalry with Darade in Yeola.
Dismisses merger speculation
Dismissing speculation about a merger between factions of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Bhujbal termed it media conjecture. “Such issues are never discussed in media. The party leadership does it when it has to,” he said, cautioning against reading too much into routine political meetings.
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