Opposition stages walkout over 'non-payment' to soyabean farmers

Mumbai, Jul 2 (PTI) Opposition members staged a walkout from the Maharashtra assembly on Wednesday following uproar over the issue of alleged non-payment to farmers for soyabean procurement.

The House witnessed heated exchanges after the opposition alleged irregularities in soybean procurement and delays in payment to farmers.

Congress member Vijay Wadettiwar claimed soyabean growers have not been paid for the procurement of their produce.

Cooperation and Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal informed the House that this year, a record amount of soybean was procured across 562 centres in 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.

However, a controversy erupted over an incident in Akola district's Balapur taluka.

The minister said the Andura Shetkari Company, a farmer collective, failed to deliver 1,297 quintals of soybean to the warehouse despite registering it under procurement records.

A criminal case has been lodged against the company head, and Rs 36 lakh withheld pending investigation, he said.

Efforts are underway to ensure payments are made to farmers affected by the discrepancy, Rawal assured.

The original question was raised by MLA Daulat Daroda, followed by supplementary questions from Hemant Ogle, Randhir Savarkar, Nana Patole, Rohit Pawar, Kailas Patil and Jayant Patil.

Dissatisfied with the minister's response, the opposition members walked out of the House in protest. PTI MR GK