Chief Secretary reviews wheat procurement arrangements and damaged crop

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Secretary Mr. Anurag Verma today held an emergency meeting with all Deputy Commissioners to take stock of the ongoing wheat procurement arrangements in the state and the damaged crop due to unseasonal weather.

In the meeting, the Chief Secretary ordered the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that the crops brought by the farmers in the mandi are purchased immediately. Along with this, the payment of the purchased crop within 48 hours should be ensured in the farmer’s account.

Mr. Verma ordered the Deputy Commissioners to hold daily meeting with the procurement agencies of their district to review the procurement taking place in every market of the district. Mr. Verma also ordered the DCs to visit the mandis personally.

Mr. Verma also ordered the DCs to immediately send a report to the government regarding the loss of farmers due to unseasonal rain. In village where crops have been damaged due to unseasonal rain, the DC or SDM should pay a personal visit.

Mr. Verma further informed that this season there is a possibility of a total arrival of 132 lakh metric tons of wheat in the mandis. Out of this, 17.14 lakh metric tonnes of wheat has arrived so far. Out of this, 13.23 lakh metric tonnes of wheat has been purchased by the procurement agencies of the state. Mr. Verma further said that according to the rules, the wheat purchased has to be paid in to the account of farmers within 48 hours. According to this, the farmers have to be paid Rs. 752 crore but they have been paid Rs. 898 crore so far. It means many farmers have been paid even before 48 hours.

The Chief Secretary ordered the Deputy Commissioners to pay special attention to the lifting of the purchased crop. He further said that daily special trains are being arranged by the state government by continuously coordinating with FCI. He said that till April 20, 61000 metric tons of wheat had been sent through special vehicles and today, on April 21, another 24000 metric tons of wheat is being sent through 9 special vehicles. With this, a total of 85000 metric tons of wheat has been sent. Tomorrow, on April 22nd, 26 special trains will be run.

Mr. Verma said that the government is committed that the crops of the farmers will be purchased immediately in the mandis and they will be paid within 48 hours. If any farmer is facing any problem with purchase or payment, they can report on the government’s toll free number 1100. Immediate action will be taken on the information given by the farmer.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Food and Civil Supply Development Vikas Garg, MDs of procurement agencies Markfed, PUNSUP, Pungrain and Warehouse Corporation, Secretary, Punjab Mandi Board, GM, FCI and Deputy Commissioners of all districts attended through video conference.