Hassan: DC K S Latha Kumari on Monday paid a surprise visit to ragi procurement centres, and warned of legal action against those indulging in irregularities.Even as the process of purchasing ragi, a major crop for the farmers in the district, gained momentum, the DC visited a procurement centre that opened at the APMC and conducted an on-site inspection.She interacted with the farmers and gave instructions to the officials concerned to ensure transparency in the ragi procurement process.The DC said 26 ragi procurement centres are established in the district. Out of these, procurement activities are going on at 24 centres, while purchases has not yet started at the Sakleshpur and Alur centres. Arasikere had the highest number, with 10 operational procurement centres. The procurement will continue until this month-end. If necessary, a request for an extension will be submitted to the govt.During the inspection, several farmers expressed dissatisfaction. Complaints were raised about excessive wastage during the cleaning of ragi, high fees demanded by labourers for carrying bags, and they having to wait for hours.To address these issues, a committee was formed under the leadership of the tahsildar. The committee includes the APMC secretary, food department officials, deputy tahsildar, and staff from the food corporation, ensuring transparent procurement at each centre, the IAS officer said.GPS was installed on trucks transporting the purchased ragi to warehouses to prevent any irregularities.According to govt regulations, ragi is being purchased up to 10 quintals per hectare and a maximum of 50 quintals. The agency provided three vehicles, but five are needed. Measures will be taken to prevent farmers from having to wait due to a shortage of vehicles, she added.
