The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today said that Punjab has witnessed the bumper crop of wheat this time which would help in achieving the 124 LMT Central pool target with ease.
Taking stock of the Wheat procurement operations at Kharar Mandi, the Minister said that till now 4.19 LMT of wheat has arrived in the mandis of the State and 3.22 LMT has been procured.
Payments worth Rs. 151 Crore have been made into the farmers' accounts.
He further said that as per the directions of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann while payments are being made within 24 hours of the crop procurement, there has been no let up in lifting too.
Divulging more, the Minister pointed out that this time the quality of wheat has been of very high standard and the agencies as well as the Commission Agents have been directed to ensure foolproof arrangements for tarpaulins and crates in order to save the crop from inclement weather. Also, there has been no shortage of bardana.
Elaborating more, he said that the State Government is increasing the storage capacity by 31 LMT and this time, the central agencies would directly lift the 15 LMT crop from mandis itself in the next few days.
The Minister made it clear that the farmers won't have to face any difficulty in the mandis and he is personally reviewing the arrangements as per the directions of the Chief Minister.
He also said that the officers connected with the procurement work have been directed against any laxity so as to make sure that the farmers and arhtiyas don't encounter any hassle in the mandis.
Among others present on the occasion included the SDM Kharar Gurmandar Singh, DFSC Dr. Navreet and District representatives of the procurement agencies, arhtiyas and the farmers.