Security concerns raised at agricultural market yard

Metro India News | KESAMUDRAM

Questions are being raised over the storage and security of lakhs of maize bags procured from farmers during the previous Yasangi (Rabi) season by the government through the MARKFED agency and stored in open sheds at the Kesamudram Agricultural Market in Mahabubabad district. Critics allege that inadequate protection has resulted in losses, with some of the stored maize reportedly being damaged by monkeys while other stocks are allegedly vulnerable to theft.

The responsibility for safeguarding the stored maize was reportedly entrusted to a contractor by MARKFED. However, locals allege that monkeys have been entering through the open sections in large numbers and feeding freely on the stored maize. They further claim that strong winds have torn the plastic coverings at several places, while stacks of maize bags have partially collapsed, making it difficult to prevent further damage.

A recent incident reportedly drew the attention of market security personnel after they noticed suspicious maize being offered for sale inside the agricultural market. Security staff kept the area under surveillance, and upon realizing they were being monitored, the suspected individuals allegedly abandoned the maize bags and fled the scene. Market authorities subsequently recovered 23 bags of maize and stored them within the market.

The matter was reportedly brought to the attention of the contractor responsible for protecting the stored maize, and police initiated an inquiry on Friday. However, officials say it is currently difficult to determine whether any maize has actually been stolen because a detailed inventory of the stored bags is still being verified. Farmers and local residents have called for stronger security measures to protect the maize stocks.