The Fact News Service
Chandigarh/ Jalandhar, April 18
Punjab Horticulture and Defence Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat formally inaugurated the wheat procurement season at the New Grain Market in Jalandhar on Thursday with the arrival of the first heap of wheat.
The Minister also convened a meeting with officials from procurement agencies, directing them to ensure seamless operations, timely lifting of produce, and prompt payments to farmers.
Divulging the details, the Minister stated that the district is expected to receive around 5.25 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of wheat this season across 79 procurement centres. To date, more than 2,101 MTs have already been procured, with 100 percent of payments cleared for the purchased crop; an achievement that underscores the administration’s commitment to farmer welfare.
Accompanied by DC Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, Market Committee Chairman Gurpal Singh and District Mandi Officer Arvinder Singh, the Minister reiterated the Punjab Government’s resolve, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to conduct farmer-friendly procurement operations. In anticipation of a bumper harvest, over 29 temporary Mandi Yards have been arranged to accommodate the expected influx.
The Minister and DC reviewed on-ground arrangements including potable water, sanitation, shaded waiting areas, tarpaulins, and adequate availability of gunny bags (bardana). Emphasising timely payments, they instructed officials to leave no stone unturned in executing the procurement process efficiently and in line with government guidelines.
They assured that there is no shortage of bardana in mandis, ensuring a smooth procurement experience for farmers.
Meanwhile, Farmer Santokh Singh from Gakhal village, who brought in the season’s first heap of wheat at New Grain Market, expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and praised the administration for swift and efficient procurement.
