Punjab withdraws order declaring private silos as purchase centres

Under fire from various farmer bodies, the Punjab government on Tuesday withdrew its order declaring private silos as wheat procurement centres in the state.

Hours before the government's withdrawal, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had said they will hold demonstrations on Sunday against allowing private silos to be used as wheat procurement centres in Punjab.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed the cancellation of the order pertaining to declaring silos as sub yards, Punjab Mandi Board chairman Harchand Singh Barsat said, adding that the decision has been taken in view of farmers' demands.

Barsat added the silos will be used for storage purposes only. Responding to farmer unions' claim that the silos will have made the grain markets redundant, Barsat clarified that no market committees will be dissolved.

The Punjab Mandi Board, in its order on March 15, had declared 11 silos in nine districts, being managed by private companies, as purchase, sale and storage centres in view of the Rabi marketing season that started on April 1.

A steel silo, considered to be a scientific way of storage of food grains, ensures better preservation than conventional storage warehouses. A silo also can also act as a purchase centre where farmers can bring their crops for sale.

Barsat said every year new procurement centres are added for the convenience of farmers. Punjab has a total of 1,907 procurement centres, 47 of which have been added this year, he said.