In Muktsar, big farmers get doorstep service

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, April 27

Well-off farmers in the district have started selling their produce from their fields instead of bringing it to the mandis, which is violation of the rules. Instead of taking action against such farmers, the state procurement agencies are buying wheat from them and that too on a priority, indicating a nexus between the farmers and the officials concerned.

In contrast, the local grain market is flooded with wheat and there is hardly any space for even vehicles to move. The farmers are forced to face scorching heat while waiting for the buyers. Speaking over the phone, Kulbir Singh Matta, District Mandi Officer, Muktsar, said: “No government agency is authorised to procure wheat from any place other than the notified area. We will keep a check on such practices.” Sources in the district administration revealed well-off farmers were selling their produce direct from the fields using their political clout even as marginal farmers are struggling in mandis.

As per official records, 96,611 tonnes of wheat has been purchased in Muktsar. Of this, 74,159 tonnes is still lying in mandis. It means that just 22,452 tonnes of wheat has been lifted so far. Besides, there is huge stock of wheat which has not been purchased as yet.

Some farmers of Lakhewali today blocked a road demanding that the wheat lifting process should be expedited. Besides, the government is yet to start making payment to commission agents. Though it had announced that the farmers would be given money for their produce within 48 hours of its purchase, nothing has happened till date.