Paddy Procurement Scheme: 548 Farmers from Shahapur-Murbad Await Payment

As many as 548 farmers from Shahapur and Murbad talukas in Thane district are yet to receive payment for paddy procured under the Adiwasi Vikas Mahamandal’s procurement scheme. Farmers have expressed strong resentment as crores of rupees remain unpaid.

The Shahapur-Murbad Farmers’ Struggle Committee, led by chairman Prakash Pawar, along with other representatives, has submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde and District Collector Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal, demanding immediate transfer of the dues to farmers’ accounts.

According to the memorandum, a total of 12,152 quintals of paddy worth ₹2.79 crore from 548 farmers is pending. Farmers from procurement centers such as Dhasai, Mal, Patgaon, Atgaon, Mugav, Sapgav, Savroli, Dolkhamb, and Pivli remain without payment.

Officials cited that several farmers did not record crop details on the “7/12 land record” during the 2024-25 kharif season due to lack of awareness and network issues. Farmers, however, submitted affidavits confirming their produce. The committee has urged authorities to relax this requirement as a special case to prevent injustice.

The farmers have demanded that the government ensure timely disbursement so that they can receive the rightful price for their hard-earned produce.