PATNA, April 18 -- Wheat procurement in Bihar, which began on April 1 through primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) and Vyapar Mandals, has so far yielded just 8,539 metric tonnes (MT) against a modest target of 18,000 MT by mid-June. Cooperative department officials describe the progress as steady, if unspectacular. But many farmers, especially in Rohtas and Kaimur districts, say the exercise is marred by bias, quota limits and a chronic shortage of storage space. Godowns across the state remain packed with paddy from the previous marketing season, forcing procurement centres to turn away loaded tractors almost daily. In Bhojpur, for instance, farmers have been returning empty-handed after being told there is simply no room. "Paddy is being sent to millers, but it will take another fortnight to clear the stocks," a PACS functionary in Bikramganj admitted. The situation has left small growers anxious. Two weeks ago, hailstorms and thunderstorms flattened standing wheat in several pockets. Fearing further quality loss, some farmers have begun stacking sacks in the open outside PACS premises. Many others are selling their crop to middlemen at low prices. According to the e-Sahakarita portal, only about 2,148 farmers have managed to sell their produce so far - a fraction of the 43,855 who registered statewide. Local accounts paint a grimmer picture. Vidyanandan Upadhyay, a farmer from Bhabua in Kaimur, claimed agencies are buying only from selected farmers while the rest are turned away. In Dhawan village, Vijay Prasad said his local PACS unit flatly refused his wheat, citing a completed quota. Talking to HT a week ago, then cooperative minister Pramod Kumar Chandravanshi said, "I received reports about the slow pace due to lack of space in PACS and Vyapar Mandal godowns. They have been directed to expedite the dispatch of old paddy to millers and obtain rice in return. I will personally review the progress next week and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure farmers get a fair price." The minister, however, described the pace as "not bad" compared to procurement target at MSP of Rs.2,585 per quintal - Rs.160 more than last year....