Wheat target crosses last year’s figure

CHANDIGARH: Wheat procurement in Haryana has crossed the figure achieved during the entire rabi season last year. In spite of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) deciding not to procure foodgrain from the state this year, the government is over the hump as far as procurement is concerned.

A woman sifts wheat from chaff at the new grain market in Karnal. Tribune photo: Ravi Kumar

Naveen S Garewal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 3

Wheat procurement in Haryana has crossed the figure achieved during the entire rabi season last year. In spite of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) deciding not to procure foodgrain from the state this year, the government is over the hump as far as procurement is concerned.

In comparison to 57.79 lakh metric tonnes (MT) procured last year, the five state agencies entrusted with the task procured 59.6 lakh MT till Saturday. Miffed by criticism and attack from the Opposition, the BJP government worked overtime to clear the bulge, piled by the vagaries of unpredictable weather.

Payment to farmers for the procured wheat touched Rs 7,142 crore on May 1. The state government has estimated that procurement for the current season would touch 65 lakh MT. Procuring 90 per cent of the produce in a short time, especially since the crop saw late maturing on account of hailstorm and rain, is commendable.

Govt in overdrive

Now that the procurement is coming to an end, a look back suggests that the task before the government was enormous. One part comprised of gauging the loss caused to crops through statewide girdawari; making a meaningful assessment by putting quantity to the damage; monetising the loss; preparing the cheques and distributing them to affected farmers in a manner that is convincing and transparent.

The second part revolved around gearing up the state agencies to mop up wheat brought to the grain markets, especially after the FCI decided not to enter Haryana.

The state has made a record of sorts by announcing a compensation of Rs 1,095 crore for the affected farmers who faced crop failure due to inclement weather. The government has also relaxed compensation norms. Now any farmer whose crop has been damaged by more than 25 per cent will be eligible. About half of the Rs 1,095 crore has been disbursed, while the entire amount will reach farmers by May 15.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has met the daunting challenge of successfully procuring the entire produce by adopting a mechanism that included formation of district-level teams. Attacked by the Opposition and labelled “anti-farmer”, Khattar worked overtime to dispel that image. He assigned districts to secretary-level officials, and personally oversaw monitoring of the entire operation, besides asking his Cabinet colleagues to do so in each district.

Nearly 600 officials form part of district-level teams that will remain in place till the state meets its procurement target.

Procurement break-up

The five state agencies procured 59.6 lakh MT of wheat till May 2. The Department of Food and Supply has procured 17.5 lakh MT; Hafed, 25.93 lakh MT; Haryana Agro Industries Corporation, 6.3 lakh MT; Haryana Warehousing Corporation, 9.8 lakh MT; and Confed 5,800 MT.

Private traders have procured only 125 MT. Last year, the figure for procurement till May 2 was 56.68 lakh MT and total wheat procured during the last rabi season was 57.79 lakh MT. This figure has already been crossed, while the procurement season will continue for a few weeks more. Farmers have got concessions never given by any government. The Chief Minister facilitated mopping up of the damaged wheat; the cost of any value cut was borne by the state government, not by farmers as before, and they got the MSP of Rs 1,450 per quintal.

Reacting to criticism by the Opposition, Khattar said: “We will seek to actualise people’s aspirations by building a strong and trust-oriented bond with them, a bond that will rest on the pillar of corruption-free, open and people-friendly administration. Our actions will speak louder than words.”

Sirsa tops among all districts in procurement

Sirsa: With the arrival of 8.57 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of wheat, the district continues to top procurement figures in Haryana till May 3. Deputy Commissioner Nikhil Gajraj said lifting of the procured wheat was in full swing. With the purchase of 4.61 lakh MT, Hafed has procured the highest quantity of wheat in the district. The Food and Civil Supplies Department has purchased 2.05 lakh MT from the district; Haryana Warehousing Corporation, 1.26 lakh MT; and Haryana Agro Industries, 63,308 MT, the DC said. Sirsa is followed by Karnal with the arrival of more than 6.35 lakh MT of wheat. — Sushil Manav