Chandigarh, Oct. 22 -- As the Punjab food and civil supplies department is awaiting a relaxation for discoloured paddy grain more than the permissible limits of 5% from the Centre, farmers in the state are forced to sell their produce at value cut between Rs.50 and Rs.500 per quintal over the minimum support price of Rs.2,389.

A 14-member Union ministry team that assessed paddy crops in Punjab has yet not submitted its report on the crop loss, which includes damaged and discoloured grains. The assessment, prompted by floods and untimely rains in late August and September, ended the previous week.

"We are awaiting the final report and relaxation. Meanwhile, we are not purchasing discoloured and damaged grain with more than 5% limit," sai...