Patna,(BiharTimes): Absence of a full-fledged cooperative minister in Bihar, after the sacking of the concerned minister on June 16––as he belonged to the BJP––is causing a lot of problems to the farmers.

According to reports the cases of Primary Agricultural Co-operative Societies (PACS) behaving in a high-handed manner in rice-procurement in the state are on rise.

It is being alleged that notwithstanding the state government allocating fund for the purpose the PACS Chairman, in collusion with the local traders, are cheating the poor farmers.

The modus operandi, according to reports, is very simple. It is being alleged that the PACS Chairman along with district cooperative bank contrive to delay the process of procurement for a month or two thereby forcing the marginal farmers, who are always in hand-to-mouth condition, to sell their grain to the local traders at a much lower rate.

Reports also said that farmers and honest members of the primary cooperative societies of the state are suffering as their grievances are not being adequately addressed as there is no full-time minister. The rice procurement and payment of arrears to cooperative banks and primary cooperative societies, for example, have suffered on account of this.

As the chief minister, who now looks after the portfolio, does not have time to pay full attention to the department, there is hardly anyone to look after the non-receipt of fund from the Central government. Crop Insurance money and various other payments are missed out or are pending.