1 week Ago
1 2 Ludhiana: Food and civil supplies minister Lal Chand Kataruchak Sunday said the state govt is ready to welcome farmers in the 1,864 grain markets across Punjab, and all necessary arrangements for the procurement of wheat have been made. Kataruchak was here to review the preparations along with officials from Ludhiana, Moga, Faridkot, Ferozepur and Barnala districts. He said, "Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state govt has made elaborate arrangements to help more than eight lakh farmers during the current wheat procurement season.
Punjab is expecting a bumper wheat harvest this year, and the goal is to purchase 124 lakh metric tonnes wheat." The state has arranged a cash credit limit of Rs 28,894 crore and has also managed to get 99% of the required gunny bags, along with plenty of storage space and containers. Altogether 600 temporary yards have been set up, in addition to the regular ones to handle the harvest, the minister added.
He assured the farmers that their payments would be sent to their bank accounts within 24 hours of selling wheat, with the minimum support price (MSP) having been fixed at Rs 2,425 per quintal. Stating that the Punjab govt is committed to buying every single grain that the farmers bring, Kataruchak said he won't allow any mistakes or carelessness in the procurement process. During the review meeting, he took stock of the facilities for farmers such as drinking water, lighting and sheds to protect them from the scorching heat.
He asked the officials to stay in the markets throughout the season to make sure farmers don't face any difficulties. He also instructed them to ensure the availability of first-aid kits in the mandis. The district administration later issued a statement saying the grain markets will have pure and cold drinking water facilities and fans to help the farmers beat the heat, besides gunny bags to store and sell their produce.
Their travel and stay will also be taken care of. The staff engaged in the procurement of crops will not be granted leave unless it is absolutely necessary, the statement said..
