P .S.Walia
Phagwara, April 30
Punjab Additional Chief Secretary (Taxation) Vikas Pratap today inspected the ongoing wheat procurement here at local Grain Market and said that every single grain of farmers’ produce would be procured and lifted within given time frame.
Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal and other officials concerned, the Additional Chief Secretary went to the heaps to check the moisture content. He also spoke with the farmers and arthiyas about the purchase of crop, who briefed him that the entire operation was going on hassle free. He also pointed out that the payment to the farmers was being credited in their accounts within given deadline.
The officials apprised the ACS that so far 278977 metric tonne of wheat was brought to the mandis across district of which more than 274548 MT had already been procured by the different agencies. With 100 percent payment to the farmers were being transferred promptly against the purchase of their yield, said Panchal adding that till date Rs. 571.36 crore had been disbursed to the farmers. He mentioned that the lifting was also being constantly carried out with more than 75 percent lifting from mandis as yet.
The Deputy Commissioner also stated that the maximum arrival and procurement of crop was reported in the Phagwara mandi. Till date 55622 MT wheat has been procured in the local grain market, he added.
Expressing satisfaction over the procurement operation in the district, ACS Vikas Pratap assured that every single grain of farmers’ crop would be lifted by the agencies. He said that teams of district administration also monitored the entire procurement process so as to facilitate the farmers, arthiyas and other stake holders. He said that the Administration had made adequate arrangements for ensuring flawless procurement.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner said that there were 44 permanent and 33 temporary procurement centers had been setup across district. He said that 3786010 quintal wheat arrival is expected in the current season. Phagwara SDM Jashanjeet Singh and other officials were also present on the occasion.
