Drug quality case: Mere partner tag not enough for prosecution, says Himachal HC
May 12, 2026CBI raid on Punjab Vigilance office: Was pushed to pay Rs 20L bribe, had no option but to complain, says Tax official
May 12, 2026
With an aim to bring transparency to the procurement system, the Haryana Government has introduced a digital mechanism to curb the long-standing practice of issuing “kachi parchi” (informal and unauthorised slips) by arhtiyas in grain markets across the state.
Under the new system, farmers are receiving digital J-forms directly on their mobile phones, containing details of the quantity of produce sold and the price received.
The initiative is seen as a major step towards protecting farmers from exploitation and ensuring accountability in agricultural transactions carried out under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime.
The Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB) had initiated crackdown on the use of ‘kachi parchis’ at the beginning of the procurement season on April 1. The board issued strict directions to secretaries of market committees to ensure that no unauthorised slips were issued in mandis and that only legally recognised J-forms were provided to farmers for every transaction.
An official of the HSAMB said the crackdown was launched following repeated complaints from farmers, who alleged that several arhtiyas were issuing informal slips instead of official receipts (J-form). The practice often left farmers exposed to manipulation in weight, pricing and payment records. The Market committee secretaries were instructed to immediately stop issuance of ‘kachi parchis’ and ensure compliance among commission agents operating under them.
The system of ‘kachi parchi’ was abolished by the government on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court following a public interest litigation filed by Dr Virender Singh Lather, former Principal Scientist at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
In the petition, Dr Lather had raised serious concerns over widespread use of ‘kachi parchis’ in Haryana mandis and sought an immediate ban on the practice. He had argued that informal slips often resulted in farmers losing nearly 30 to 40 per cent value of their produce due to manipulation and underreporting.
Acting on the petition, the High Court had directed the state government to take action within 30 days.
Welcoming the government’s decision, Dr Lather said the practice of issuing ‘kachi parchis’ had continued for decades and become a tool to exploit farmers.
“Farmers were often shown rates below the MSP on the informal slips, while the majority of farmers used to get payments as per the MSP. The actual difference was allegedly retained by arhtiyas after government payments were transferred to farmers’ accounts. The digital J-form system will bring much-needed transparency in procurement operations,” he said.
Seeking anonymity, a senior official of the HSAMB said the move to send J-forms directly to farmer on their phones was introduced as an additional safeguard, anticipating that some arhtiyas might still attempt to avoid issuing official receipts. The digital system enables farmers receive transaction details instantly, reducing the chances of tampering.
He confirmed that digital J-forms are now being issued to farmers as part of the department’s efforts to modernise procurement operations.
“The initiative is aimed at ensuring transparency and protecting farmers’ interests. Every transaction is now being digitally recorded and communicated directly to farmers, which will also help check loss to the state exchequer caused by fraudulent practices,” he added.
Farmers across mandis have also expressed satisfaction over the new arrangement. Vikas, a farmer who recently sold his crop in a mandi, said receiving the J-form on his mobile phone had given him confidence and clarity regarding the transaction.
“I got the J-form directly on my phone. Digital receipts provide instant confirmation of the quantity sold and payment details. Earlier, there was uncertainty on whether the correct rate and weight had been recorded,” he added.
Farmers believe the elimination of ‘kachi parchis’ will prevent underreporting of MSP transactions and compel arhtiyas to declare the actual weight and price of crops purchased in mandis.
